Today, safety and security training in schools must provide that readiness. Proper training serves as the foundation upon which students, teachers, and staff can rely in times of crisis. That phrase “how you train is how you respond” underscores the vital role of effective training in school safety and security while working toward an environment conducive to learning. It is about creating an environment in which we all feel safe, supported, and empowered to act when necessary.
Proper training serves as the foundation upon which students, teachers, and staff can rely in times of crisis.
That kind of confidence only comes from preparation. The student who studies well for a math test walks into the classroom with greater confidence than the student who reviewed the material 20 minutes before class. Whether taking action during a natural disaster or an algebra test, confidence to act appropriately comes from our efforts in training, studying, and learning.
Immersive and Realistic
School safety training programs should be immersive and realistic. Simulated exercises, drills, and role-playing exercises allow us to experience the urgency and gravity of crisis situations; however, training time is always at a premium for school district employees who may be relegated to watching videos as their main form of training.
How we engage in those training sessions is of critical importance. If we skip through a video presentation without giving it the time and discussion it deserves, we are potentially putting ourselves and others in harm’s way. It is our responsibility and obligation to use the training time wisely. It will be our first line of defense against the threat of a fire, an active shooter, a medical emergency, or a natural disaster. Proper engagement in training sessions gives us the knowledge and skills to recognize and respond to situations swiftly and effectively.
If you are the one doing or assigning the training, a word of caution: Safety and security training must be a dynamic process that adapts. Seeing the same PowerPoint, same scenarios, same videos year after year, participants will ultimately assume an “oh, I know all this already” attitude.
Real and effective training programs must be agile, responsive, and differentiated from each session. The foundation of a training session may remain the same as it has in the past, but we must think of our audience and our duty to inform, educate, and train. We cannot hold or assign a training session knowing our colleagues will “push play and turn away” because it’s a rerun of last year’s video.
Whatever program is chosen, consider its psychological and emotional impact on students and staff. The “how you train is how you respond” model should include practical skills and strategies for managing stress, fear, and trauma.
A Collaborative Approach
Schools must be ready to support the mental and emotional well-being of students and staff, both during training and in the aftermath of a crisis. Because many schools serve as community centers and emergency shelters, they can be affected by community incidents as well.
This means our training should be a collaborative approach with other local agencies, first responders, and parents and guardians. We must educate them on school safety protocols, emergency response plans, and ways they can support their children in case of a crisis.
Be Prepared
In summary, taking a learning approach and actively participating in planned and well-designed training sessions creates a collective sense of responsibility for safety in a school community. The consistency of regular, diversified training becomes part of a routine which normalizes discussions around preparedness.
The “how you train is how you respond” strategy also encapsulates the idea that individuals, in moments of crisis, will naturally draw from the knowledge and skills they have acquired during training; therefore, the time and effort spent on training will directly affect the outcome of an emergency situation. One day, it may be the difference between life and death.