Source: A Comprehensive Report on School Safety Technology. (2016). U.S. Department of Justice. https://www.ojp.gov/pdffiles1/nij/grants/250274.pdf
Criteria for Selection: Funded by the Department of Justice, experts from the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory, The Johns Hopkins School of Education, and the Bloomburg School of Public Health collaborated to produce a comprehensive review of a wide range of technologies to support school safety.
LEARN Brief and Infographic Credits: Dr. Sherell Fuller, Dr. Jeannie Haubert
Overview:
This report is encyclopedic (and should be used accordingly) and provides extensive information about the full range of technologies from simple access control (locks) to sophisticated surveillance and detection systems. The press release and the executive summary provide helpful entry points to the 480- page work.
Among the topics covered are chapters on a strong, best practice approach to planning and implementation, access control, alarms and sensors, communications, lighting, software applications, surveillance, and weapons detection. Where applicable, each technology is addressed through a standard review that encompasses:
- Introduction to the technology
- How it is used
- What makes the technology good
- Concerns about the technology
- Cost considerations
- Emerging technologies
- Current vendors
- Further reading
In addition to the topic chapters, the authors provide a legal review of the field and a brief review of the literature. Although produced in 2016, the methodology and processes in this report should remain relevant and provide a lens for the consideration of new technologies.
Key Insights:
This comprehensive report, funded by the Department of Justice, offers a detailed review of technologies used to enhance school safety, ranging from simple access control mechanisms to sophisticated surveillance and detection systems. It covers best practices in planning and implementation, and scrutinizes each technology in terms of usage, benefits, concerns, cost, emerging advancements, current vendors, and additional resources. Educators can use this report as an encyclopedia to navigate school safety technologies.
Action Steps:
- Conduct Trauma-Informed Care (TIC) Training for Staff:
- Provide professional development on trauma-informed practices, including the effects of trauma on students’ behavior and learning.
- Train staff on the philosophy and purpose of Peace Spaces, emphasizing their role in self-regulation rather than punitive measures.
- Design and Set Up Peace Spaces:
- Create Peace Corners in classrooms: These should be private, calming spaces equipped with tools like “calm down” jars, mindfulness activities, and sensory items.
- Establish Peace Rooms: These should be staffed by trained personnel (not necessarily licensed mental health professionals) who can offer mindfulness exercises, breathing techniques, and emotional support.
- Develop Clear Usage Protocols:
- Establish guidelines for when and how students can use Peace Spaces, ensuring they are accessible and not perceived as punitive.
- Communicate to teachers that frequent use of Peace Spaces may indicate a need for additional support rather than misuse.
- Hire and Train Dedicated Staff for Peace Rooms:
- Employ staff trained in trauma-informed practices, mindfulness, and emotional regulation techniques to manage Peace Rooms effectively.
- Ensure staff can build trust and positive relationships with students, as this is key to the success of Peace Rooms.
- Integrate Peace Spaces into School Culture:
- Normalize the use of Peace Spaces by promoting them as tools for self-regulation and emotional well-being.
- Encourage peer modeling to reduce stigma and foster a supportive environment.
- Monitor and Evaluate Usage:
- Collect data on how students use Peace Spaces, including reasons for usage and activities performed.
- Track outcomes such as changes in disciplinary referrals, classroom behavior, and overall school climate.
- Expand Resources and Services:
- Consider adding more Peace Rooms or spaces as demand increases.
- Provide additional mental health services, such as counseling, to complement Peace Spaces.
- Engage Teachers in Continuous Training and Feedback:
- Offer ongoing training to address concerns and improve implementation fidelity.
- Create opportunities for teachers to visit Peace Rooms and learn more about their function.
- Customize Peace Spaces to Student Needs:
- Tailor Peace Spaces to the specific needs of the student population, considering factors like age, developmental level, and cultural background.
- Evaluate and Scale Up: o Use data and feedback to refine the implementation process.
- Consider expanding Peace Spaces to other schools within the district.
By following these steps, districts can create actionable frameworks to implement Peace Spaces effectively, fostering a trauma-informed school environment that supports both students and staff.
Full Study: https://www.ojp.gov/pdffiles1/nij/grants/250274.pdf
