Although Behavioral Threat Assessment (BTA) has been recommended as a strategy to prevent violence and improve school safety since the late 1990s, its use has surged in recent years, propelled by unfortunate tragedies in our schools.

This has led to federal funding and legislation across many states to support the implementation of BTA. As with many new education programs and strategies, operational challenges emerge during implementation.

This archived webinar, presented by the WestEd Justice & Prevention Research Center, focuses on the most pressing operational challenges associated with developing, implementing, and maintaining an evidence-based program within K-12 schools.

Discussion Topics

  • New research related to behavioral threat assessment, including its impact on school discipline and potential disparate effects on students of color and students with disabilities
  • Practical challenges of operating a behavioral threat assessment program in schools
  • Setting up and managing a behavioral threat assessment program in a school district
  • Coordination between schools and law enforcement related to behavioral threat assessment
  • The intersection of school behavioral threat assessment and clinical mental health settings

About the JPRC

The JPRC at WestEd highlights the rigorous research and evaluation work that WestEd researchers conduct in school safety, violence and crime prevention, juvenile and criminal justice, and public health. A primary goal of the Center is to become a “trusted” source of evidence on the effects of policies and programs in these areas. In addition to conducting research and evaluation studies, Center staff promote using scientific evidence in making decisions about programs, policies, and practices relevant to justice and prevention. Learn more at jprc.wested.org.

Presented by Dewey CornellTrevor FroniusMo CanadyDr. Sharmila MehtaMelanie StephensonJoseph McKenna