Name of Study: Safety First
Questions:
1. Why is it important that the school’s faculty and staff know the policies and procedures regarding the safety and security of the school building?
2. In what ways can students participate in “safety first” activities?
Scenario:
The case study takes places in a suburban high school setting. The school is the largest in the county and serves students in grades 9-12.
Because of recurring problems with students calling in false bomb threats to middle and high schools in this and surrounding counties, the administration decided that it was necessary to implement a detailed outline of protocol for safety and security at the school at the beginning of the current school year.
The school is on a permanent “soft lockdown.” During the faculty meeting, faculty and staff members were given lockdown information that ranged from school and classroom security (keep all doors locked), to policies and procedures regarding student hall passes and tornado and fire drills. In addition, administration also noted that additional security cameras would be installed in the halls for added security and caller ID installed on all school phones. A manual that outlined all procedures was created.
Faculty and staff were asked to read the manual in its entirety and ask for clarification when needed. In addition, faculty was expected to review all soft lockdown policies with students during homeroom. Administration also requested that each faculty member remind students not to provide entry to visitors at the main door and to report any suspicious activity to a faculty or staff member.
As the new school year progressed, administrators did not follow up to determine if the faculty and staff followed the directive to read the manual. Subsequently, many teachers did not comply.
Response to Questions:
Unfortunately, bomb threats in schools has become the norm in this county. It is important that educators provide a learning community that is safe and uninterrupted for students, faculty, and staff. Knowledge of the school and district policy regarding safety policies and procedures will minimize the risk of a potentially dangerous or hazardous situation. Additionally, it is important that students understand their role in keeping their learning community safe.
Discussion:
Safety and security of the learning community is paramount. Students, faculty, and staff must take responsibility in following the directives of administration regarding all safety and security policies. Although a policy and procedure was given to faculty and staff, greater emphasis may be needed to familiarize and train teachers regarding the safety policies and procedures. I feel that the administration did not follow through with this aspect of professional development, so a developing level of performance would accurately describe the school leader's leadership style in this scenario.