Poster #9 - A Mixed-methods Approach to K-12 Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management Guides: Implementing Responses to Exogenous Shocks

• In Event: ASC Poster Session I

Abstract

Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management (BTAM) teams are vital for preventing violence in educational settings, particularly in response to exogenous shocks
such as school shootings. This mixed-methods study investigates the content and quality of 30 publicly available K-12 BTAM guides, emphasizing differences in guide implementation reasoning. BTAM teams have been set up both (a) in direct response to an incident (reactive) and (b) in anticipation that an incident could occur
(proactive). Utilizing quantitative and qualitative analyses, this research examines BTAM team components, such as team setup and roles, case management processes,
reporting mechanisms, information sharing, and training. Guided by institutional bricolage and path dependence theories, this research aims to advance the understanding of how the timing and context of guide implementation influence their utility in fostering safer school environments and mitigating harm through evidence-based interventions.

Author

• Sarah Schappert, University of Nebraska Omaha