Report page 9

This nuanced approach to prevention focuses on early identification of students who pose a risk of harm to themselves or others and early intervention and support to reduce the risk and increase the likelihood of positive outcomes.

It also emphasizes a behavior-based approach to prevention, focusing on the behaviors a student displays that may communicate a need for greater care and concern.

Behavioral threat assessment and management is a systematic and proactive approach to preventing targeted violence in schools.

It has several defining characteristics and implementation factors.

Focuses on behaviors, not traits or profiles

Research has shown there is no accurate or useful profile of a student who will engage in targeted violence, but they often display concerning behaviors before perpetrating an attack (NTAC, 2019, 2021).

Focusing on a continuum of concerning behaviors allows teams to identify students in distress and intervene before their behavior escalates to the point of harm to themselves or others.

Involves multidisciplinary school staff

Establishing a multidisciplinary team to respond to reports of concerning behavior is considered best practice.

Local education agencies can structure the team to best meet the local needs and available resources (school-based teams, a district-based team, or both).

The team will lead the process of gathering additional information and collaborate on designing an intervention and management plan.

Teams should include diverse representation from various disciplines and functions within the school community including, but not limited to, administration; individuals with mental health expertise (e.g., school counselor, school psychologist); individuals with social, emotional, behavioral (SEB) expertise (e.g., school counselor, social worker); individuals with special education expertise; individuals focused on student health and wellness (e.g., school nurse); and school safety specialists (e.g., school resource officer).