COVID-19
Updates from the Texas School Safety Center
The Texas School Safety Center has been closely monitoring the status of COVID-19. The link above will provide Texas educators with updates regarding statewide training, data collection requirements, and efforts to support schools during this time. We will continue to post updates to this page as the situation evolves. We have also created a COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) webpage to address the most commonly requested resources and information from the Center during this crisis. We acknowledge that schools are navigating an unprecedented situation, while trying to maintain instructional continuity and provide basic needs to Texas students. Your leadership through this time is commendable and helping to ensure the public health of our communities.
The TxSSC has transitioned to telework for the safety of all staff. During this period, our staff will be working remotely and continue to be available to assist schools through this difficult time. For questions or support, please email us at txssc@txstate.edu and your questions will be routed to the appropriate staff or resource.
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COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Resources (updated as needed)
The Texas School Safety Center (TxSSC) has been responding to the numerous inquires from schools as they work to respond to COVID-19. We have noticed there are many common questions surfacing as school districts deal with the implications caused by COVID-19. We have created a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) webpage to address the most commonly requested resources and information from the Center during this crisis. View the FAQ
Behavioral Threat Assessment Model Policies and Procedures
Resource
As required by the 86th Texas Legislature and SB 11, the Texas School Safety Center, in coordination with the Texas Education Agency, has developed model policies and procedures to assist school districts in establishing and training threat assessment teams now mandated by TEC Sec. 37.220. The following model policies and procedures are consistent with the requirements of TEC 37.115 and reflect research-based best practices.
View the Policies and Procedures
Best Practices for Safety in Portable Buildings
Resource
As required by the 86th Texas Legislature and SB 11, the following resource outlines safety and security best practices developed to assist schools in ensuring the safety all persons in portable buildings used for instruction. In the context of this resource, “best practices” are considered to be those actions or techniques that have been tested through experience and/or research and have been demonstrated to be efficient and effective ways of accomplishing the task or goal. View the Resource
2017-2020 DAR Survey Questions and Additional Information
Resource
The reporting period for the 2017-2020 K-12 safety and security audit cycle opens April 15, 2020. This reporting cycle is not applicable to charter schools. The charter school audit cycle began in 2019 and will end in 2022. Given recent legislative changes, the TxSSC is posting the district audit report (DAR) questions early this cycle to help districts prepare to answer these questions.
View the Questions and Additional Information
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Recent Articles
How to Reduce Testing Stress for a Safe and Productive Spring Semester
March 2020
Standardized testing can bring on feelings of stress and anxiety. Students often suffer from poor sleep and impaired decision-making when stress is high, and may even put themselves in unsafe situations attempting to reduce stress. Below, we discuss these relationships and outline tools you can incorporate into class time to help students decrease stress. We encourage educators to share this information with students so they can stay healthy and safe throughout the semester, including spring break! (Read more…)
A Season of Service: Service-Learning Projects Strengthen Student and Teacher Outcomes
November 2019
For many, the holidays represent a season for giving and spending time with family and friends. We emphasize selflessness and giving to those in need during the holiday season. Incorporating this same spirit into the classroom through service-learning projects benefits both recipients and students. Student service learning refers to learning that actively involves students in experiences that often benefit others and the community while also supplementing the curriculum through experiential learning and reflection. (Read more…)
Engage and Empower Students for a Stellar School Year
September 2019
Wouldn’t it be great to bottle that “fresh start” feeling that launches each new school year so you could spike the cafeteria’s chocolate milk cartons with it when student engagement begins to lag? Authentically centering student voice and engaging youth in participation projects could be the answer. We know that student perceptions and student input are inextricably linked to providing a safe campus climate. Since linking student voice and engagement is an abstract idea, let’s look at recent research to make it more concrete. (Read more…)