Faculty responds to spike in mass shootings across United States
Students practicing evading an armed intruder by building a barricade in their classroom.
February 15, 2018
Just 46 days into the 2018 calendar year, the school shooting in Parkland, Fla. yesterday marks the 29th mass shooting in the United States.
English Teacher Kim Hanan-West fears that at some point, one of these school shootings will hit close to home.
“[School shootings cause] fear for my own children, fear for my students and fear for myself,” Hanan-West said. “We have to be proactive rather than reactive. It is time to talk about investing in providing access to mental health experts at school and it is time to talk about gun control regulations.”
Every year, Parkway prepares students in case of an intruder emergency using the “4E” system: educate, evade, escape and engage. Students are taught to use their discretion as to which tool to use if a situation arises.
Photo illustration of 4E crisis response strategies.
“When the training for an active shooter started we were taught to lock down and have students hide in the rooms. Now we teach to do whatever you can to survive. There are three things, run, fight or hide. Whatever is the best option for survival,” School Resource Officer Scott Scoggins said. “We changed it to increase safety and efficiency in the schools.”
Teachers engaged in a “4E” training before school started for the 2017-18 school year.
“I think the tactical training teachers went through was helpful. I never thought that type of training would be necessary to teach English; however, I feel like I can better protect students after having gone through it,” Hanan-West said.
After watching a school shooting happen again this week, Hanan-West believes teachers should come together to inspire change.
“We could take off work to send a message to those in charge that we need to make changes in this country for safer schools,” Hanan-West said. “I do not want to sacrifice the education of my students for this issue, and I do not suggest this type of action lightly. In the end, if striking were to begin a national conversation, promote action, establish gun regulations and perhaps save lives, I’d do it.”
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