School safety assessments often focus on physical/building safety (i.e. security protocols, drills). However, solely looking at security as a measure of school safety overlooks the importance of discussing programming and personnel that focus on connection, caring, and social and emotional supports (i.e. SEL). Social and emotional health are critical components of safe, engaging and welcoming school environments and as a result, many schools have adopted a range of programming (i.e. social and emotional learning, restorative practices, trauma informed approaches, positive behavior supports).

The challenge of such a broad spectrum of initiatives is looking holistically at programs and policies and exploring scope, consistency, embeddedness, overlap, staffing, resources, and whether programs are having an impact on the sense of safety and well-being of all students and staff. Using a Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) framework, Dr. Heather Reynolds will lead monthly, focused, collaborative conversations about 1) your school-based programs and supports that are rooted in social and emotional safety, 2) strategies to improve program impact and long term outcomes for every student over time, and 3) an action plan to ensure alignment and improvement.