Active Shooter Training: Perspectives of Texas Teachers

• In Event: Evolving Issues in Education: Teacher Preparedness, Policy, and Identity

Abstract

Active shooter incidents are increasing across the United States. School leaders are faced with growing concerns of school safety for students and teachers. Active shooter training is mandated in Texas. Yet, unknown are perceptions of teachers in Texas about active shooter training. The objective of this study was to explore Texas teachers’ perceptions of active shooter training. Emergency management theory was the conceptual framework for the study. One research question about teachers’ perceptions of active shooter training in their school guided the study. A descriptive qualitative design using snowball sampling was the methodological approach. Each of 20 Education Service Centers were represented by public school teachers interviewed. Open and axial coding were used to derive themes. Four themes were derived.

Authors

• Lizette Paceley, Texas A&M University - Kingsville

• Kelly S. Hall, Texas A&M University - Kingsville