In a proactive effort to enhance school safety, Greater Jasper Consolidated Schools, in collaboration with the Indiana School Safety Specialist Academy (ISSSA), recently hosted a regional training session focused on the Comprehensive School Threat Assessment Guidelines (CSTAG). This evidence-based framework is designed to assist K-12 schools in systematically evaluating and addressing potential threats posed by students.
The training, led by behavior consultant and CSTAG expert James Feger, attracted over two dozen participants, including social workers, law enforcement officers, educators, and school administrators. The session aimed to equip attendees with the skills necessary to identify early warning signs of potential threats and implement appropriate interventions, thereby preventing escalation and promoting a safe educational environment.
The emphasis on threat assessment comes amid rising concerns over school safety. In the 2023–2024 academic year, Indiana schools reported a 41% increase in bullying incidents, totaling 7,700 cases—a significant rise from the previous year’s 5,460 incidents. Nationally, as of September 2024, there have been at least 160 incidents of gunfire on school grounds, resulting in 46 deaths and 106 injuries, surpassing the total number of such incidents in 2023.
Despite these alarming statistics, Indiana has not mandated the implementation of school threat assessment teams statewide. Nevertheless, initiatives like the CSTAG training underscore a growing commitment among local school districts to proactively address safety concerns through structured and research-backed approaches.
The CSTAG model, developed by Dr. Dewey Cornell, provides a structured method for school teams to assess and manage student threats effectively. By focusing on early identification and intervention, CSTAG aims to prevent violence and ensure a supportive school climate.
As schools continue to confront the challenges of ensuring student safety, the adoption of comprehensive threat assessment protocols like CSTAG represents a critical step toward mitigating risks and fostering secure learning environments.
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