Public School Principals' Perspectives on Crises Preparation Across Different Dimensions, Barriers, Benefits, and Supports Needed

• In Event: Marriott Roundtable Session One
  In Roundtable Session: Division H Roundtable on Applied Research in Schools (Table 2)

Abstract

In this sequential mixed-method study exploring crisis preparation, about 300 principals completed the Principal Perceptions of School Safety and Preparedness Survey (Alba, 2011) in phase I, and 20 focus group participants explored the barriers, benefits, and supports needed for crisis preparedness in phase II. The quantitative descriptive and inferential findings yielded the highest response in access and identification and the lowest in preparedness with first responders. Significant interactions between school configuration and location with respect to safety activities with students and levels of preparedness emerged. Qualitatively, scheduling and lack of time emerged as the most prominent barriers, while funding, training, and district-level support were additional supports needed. Future research avenues offered include studying different stakeholder groups and incorporating mental health.

Authors

• Kathlene Wade, Madison City Schools
  Presenting Author

• Mary E. Yakimowski, Samford University
  Presenting Author