On February 21, 2018, Governor Greg Abbott issued instructions to the Texas Education Agency to take steps to ensure all schoolchildren in Texas public schools are safe.
In light of last week’s tragic events in Florida, TCSA encourages all charter schools to review your current emergency management plans and update accordingly. Schools can face a variety of emergencies ranging from something weather related to school violence emergencies. It is important that each school adopt a complete and effective plan for all possible emergencies to mitigate any potential harm to your school staff and students.
When reviewing your emergency management plan keep in mind that emergency management plans are always evolving. Here are some useful links to assist school administrators and board members as you review and update your school’s emergency management plan:
Safety Plans
National School Safety Center provides school communities and safety partners with information, resources and training services.
U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services ‘A Guide to Safe Schools’ offers research-based practices designed to assist school communities identify these warning signs early and develop prevention, intervention and crisis response plans.
Texas Department of Public Safety provides resources and training classes in emergency management and information about the state’s emergency management program through the Texas Emergency Management Preparedness website.
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) guide to developing high-quality school emergency operations plan provides recommendation in development of plans which includes prevention and mitigating impact from emergencies.
Texas State University’s Texas School Safety Center provides resources and toolkits to address and develop an emergency management plan for a variety of issues.
Student Assistance
Texas Department of State Health Services Suicide Prevention homepage provides best practice-based resources for public schools.
National Education Association’s guide on how to talk to students over school shooting and traumatic events.
