The threat of gun violence in schools has given rise to the need for active shooter drills. But finding the right balance between realism and traumatizing students can be difficult. There are also liability issues to consider. Our guests walk use through the issues school leaders need to consider. Follow: @safeschools,@GLHSLions @hollyelisabrun @bamradionetwork Dr. Ronald Stephens serves as Executive Director of the National School Safety Center (NSSC). Ken Trump is the President of...

Is playing cops and robbers dead? In the wake of the Newtown tragedy school teachers and administrators are showing heightened concerns about violence of all sorts. But is imaginary gun play among young kids really a threat? Some schools are responding with new zero tolerance policies on violent play. Should toy guns and gun play be banned in schools? Nancy Carlsson-Paige is a professor of education at Lesley University and co-author, The War Play Dilemma. Jane Katch is the author of Under...

Special Report: Perhaps what's most crazy about the notion of arming teachers is how most discussions on this important issue are mostly devoid of sober, thoughtful, factual examination. On one extreme, we hear rabid gun supporters encouraging schools to enter an arms race. On the other we see a visceral rejection of the idea so strong that facts are irrelevant. We asked some educators and school security experts to really stop and think about this issue and were surprised by what we...

Some are calling the tragedy at Newtown a tipping point that may usher in radical changes in school security. According to a survey conducted by the American Association of School Administrators of some 11,000 members, over 90% reported that they had begun reviewing their school security plans over the weekend. To provide some strategic guidance and insight, AASA has assembled a highly experienced and skilled team of school security experts to help rethink school security issues from SROs to...

In the wake of the tragic shootings at Newtown, conducting school safety reviews can be challenging. Pressure to respond quickly and decisively can lead imprudent, costly, ineffective and unnecessary measures. We have assembled an "A -team" of leading school safety experts to help principals make smart decisions, avoid routine mistakes and determine what's over the top and what's not when making school security decisions. Michael Dorn has worked in the field of school safety for 33 years,...

We are shocked, deeply saddened and angered when senseless violence occurs in schools, hurting children and teachers. What are the best ways to respond? What should you do individually? What is the path forward? Where do we find comfort? What should we do as a community? George A. Bonanno is a professor of clinical psychology at Columbia University, Teachers College and author of, "The Other Side of Sadness: What the New Science of Bereavement Tells Us About Life After a Loss." Dr. Joyce...

In the aftermath of the horrific tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School, children will look to us to help them make sense of what happened. They may us ask difficult questions, ones which we may not be prepared to answer. This PTA Radio show will address some of those questions and help parents reassure our children that they are safe in school. Amy R. Smith is currently serving as the President of the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) for the 2012–2013 term. She is...

More often than not a crisis is unexpected and leaves little time for planning. This is why developing a crisis communications plan in advance is critical. In this segment we discuss the basics you need to know to plan ahead and be prepared and cool during a school crisis. As a former Emmy Award-winning Reporter, Anchor, Executive Producer, and Paris Correspondent for the United Stations Radio Network, Candace Belair is an expert in presentation skills training, media skills and crisis...

In a school emergency or crisis building evacuation, school nurses need to be able to get out fast and bring along what is essential to continue to respond to student needs. In this segment our guests offer a well consider plan for creating an emergency "grab-and-go" bag. Cynthia Devore, MD, is a pediatrian and a fellow in the America Academy of Pediatrics who has dedicated her career to school health and sports medicine in New York State. Gail Wold is the coordinator for New York...

Violence, lock downs, hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes and terrorist attacks are disruptive and frightening. But when disasters strike the anxiety for providers of child care and parents whose children may be across town and out of communication is heightened. The best time to think about how to handle a crisis is now. Tune in as we provide some practical tips on what providers and parents should do to prepare for the unthinkable. Beverly Schmalzried, Ph.D. is a professor at Milligan...

Why do seemingly "normal" teens suddenly turn aggressive, violent and commit unthinkable crimes? What can we tell from neuroscience about brain development in violent teens? As parents, educators and policy makers struggle to handle increasing violence in teens, our ability to use MRI to see in to the brain offers some new clues and guidance for effective intervention.