Date of Publication
2023
Abstract
Background: In 2022, 177 gunfire related incidents on school grounds were reported in the U.S., with 148 causing injuries and 57 resulting in death. Minimal data is available on the efficacy of active shooter drills, with growing concerns related to potential harmful effects on students’ mental health. The purpose of this study is to gain insight on professional educators' perceptions of preparedness, emotional consequences, and efficacy of active shooter drills in Chittenden County public schools.
Methods: This study consists of a mixed-methods, case-study approach. A REDCap survey regarding perceptions of students’ responses to active shooter drills was sent to school districts in Chittenden County, with an optional post-survey interview. Target respondents included school administrators, educators, mental health professionals, and other support staff. Interviews were coded using qualitative analysis to identify common themes.
Results: Out of 125 survey responses, the majority were from educators (n=79). Of these, 36% reported observing negative responses in students during a drill. Despite this, 74% believe the drills are worthwhile. Value, preparation, guidance, mental health support, and emotions after drills were identified as common themes amongst interviewees.
Conclusion: Survey and interview results suggest that despite the negative emotions expressed by students, lack of guidance for educators, and limited mental health support, there is value in active shooter drills, and the majority felt more prepared as a result. Schools may benefit from improved communication and standardized drills. Variability within our results emphasizes the need to expand our study to other counties in Vermont.
Advisor(s)
Kenneth Allen, Ed.D.
Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont
Burton Wilke Jr., Ph.D.
Community Mentor
Subjects
Emergency Preparedness, Health Communication, Health Policy, Health-Related Quality of Life & Well-Being, Injury and Violence Prevention, Mental Health and Mental Disorders, Preparedness, Social and Community Context, Social Determinants of Health, Violence Prevention, Vision
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial 3.0 License
Recommended Citation
Advant, Anika; Barton, Connor; Bressor, Jackson; DeCara, Caity; George, Akhil B.; Leger, Briana; Moussadek, Khadija; and Staudenraus, Regan, "Professional Educators’ Perceptions of Active Shooter Drills" (2023). Public Health Projects, 2008-present. 350.
https://scholarworks.uvm.edu/comphp_gallery/350
