Early Warning Timely Response: A Guide to Safe Schools

United States Department of Education Executive Summary

Guiding Principals For Identifying Early Warning Signs

Establish caring and supportive relationship with children and youth.
Get to know needs, feelings, attitudes, and behavior patterns of students.
Review school records for patterns of behaviors or sudden changes in behavior.
Do No Harm: The early warning signs should not be used as rationale to isolate, exclude, or punish a child.
Understand violence and aggression within a context: Many factors can contribute to aggressive behavior. Some children may act out if stress becomes too great, if they lack positive coping skills, and if they have learned to react with aggression.
Avoid Stereotyping: It is important to be aware of false cues- including race, socio-economic status, cognitive or academic ability, or physical appearance. In fact, such stereotypes can unfairly harm children, especially when the school community acts upon them.
View warning signs within a developmental context. Children at different levels of development have varying social and emotional capabilities.
Understand that children typically exhibit multiple warning signs. Research confirms that most children who are troubled/high potential show multiple early warning signs. Thus, it is important not to overreact to single signs, words or actions.

Early warning Signs

Social withdrawal
Excessive feelings of isolation and being alone
Excessive feelings of rejection
Being a victim of violence
Feelings of being picked on and persecuted
Low school interest and poor academic performance
Expression of violence in writings and drawings
Uncontrolled anger
Patterns of impulsive and chronic hitting, intimidating, and bullying behavior
History of discipline problems
Past history of violent and aggressive behavior
Intolerance for differences and prejudicial attitudes
Drug use and alcohol use
Affiliation with gangs
Inappropriate access to, possession of, and use of firearms
Serious threats of violence

There are certain times when immediate attention must be given to the student in order to ensure safety in the school environment

 

Imminent Warning Signs Need Imminent Response

Serious physical fighting with peers or family members
Severe destruction of property
Severe rage for seemingly minor reasons
detailed threats of lethal violence
Possession of and/or use of firearms and other weapons
Other self injurious behaviors or threats of suicide
Has a detailed plan to harm others

Plan of Action

  1. For multiple warning signs, fill out the lavender SAP referral form or discuss the student with the school counselor or SAP counselor. Contact the parent and discuss your concern for the student based upon the behaviors you have witnessed.
  2. If you are responding to Imminent warning signs, contact your Principal or Assistant Principal. You may also contact the School Resource Officer. Safety must always be the first and foremost consideration.

 

Prevention and Intervention Strategies

  1. Focus on academic achievement
  2. Involve families in meaningful ways
  3. Develop links to the community
  4. Emphasize positive relationships among students and staff
  5. Discuss safety issues openly. Teach children that they are responsible for their actions and that the choices they make have consequences for which they are accountable.
  6. Treat students with equal respect.
  7. Create ways for students to share their concerns.
  8. Help children feel safe expressing their feelings.
  9. Promote good citizenship and character.
  10. Promote positive interaction and participation in the classroom