There are solutions to gun violence in schools but we must take a TEAM approach to address the issues and solve the problem. This is a social, emotional and SPIRITUAL problem which cannot continue to be overlooked.
In this video, I share what I have seen based on my over 17 years of experience as both a public school parent, volunteer, employee, and CSO (Campus Security Officer). We need an intervention, but not the one you may think. Listen and I hope you will see!
The schools are governed by FERPA which is the federal guideline for informational sharing of education and medical records, and HIPAA. Some have said that information cannot be shared regarding students. That is NOT the case. The guidance issued regarding these issue says the following:
"Parents have a right under FERPA to inspect and review these health and medical records because they are “education records” under FERPA. See 34 CFR §§ 99.10 – 99.12. In addition, these records may not be shared with third parties without written parental consent unless the disclosure meets one of the exceptions to FERPA’s general consent requirement. For instance, one of these exceptions allows schools to disclose a student’s health and medical information and other “education records” to teachers and other school officials, without written consent, if these school officials have “legitimate educational interests” in accordance with school policy. See 34 CFR § 99.31(a)(1). Another exception permits the disclosure of education records, without consent, to appropriate parties in connection with an emergency, if knowledge of the information is necessary to protect the health or safety of the student or other individuals. See 34 CFR §§ 99.31(a)(10) and 99.36." ~ Pg.4
Out of all the commentary of people crying "do something" NOBODY, but NOBODY...(but me of course) has mentioned the transfer of information as a way to solving the issue...
ReplyDeleteLet me explain...current practice of most school officials is to be silent about the mental health and conditions of children in the school setting. This makes sense. However, the silence opens the door to abuse and does not serve the students or the school environment...Here is an example...
Johnny, has acted out violently since 2nd grade. Every year for the last 2 years not only has he been belligerent in class, but also abusive to teachers, threatening some, hitting some and even mincing other students. When he reaches the 5th grade, he has what is called an IEP (individualized Education Plan) that must be followed. Part of that plan includes time for Johnny to calm down after committing even acts of violence and State directives make it a must to make sure that Johnny is not suspended and is a part of the school environment.
Johnny's 5th grade teacher is only given information that Johnny has an IEP, NOT that Johnny is also violent. The teacher learns that on her own during the course of the year as Johnny attacks her with a pencil and throws a book at her as well.
Under current practice, in most settings, Johnny makes it through school with only a slap on the wrist and little of nothing more. He has abused adults and students and even been counciled for suicidal thoughts. In other words school has taught him how to victimize without punishment or consequence.
What do you think Johnny "could" do?
This is the condition of modern public education in many places. The information is not shared generally because of medical privacy as outlined by HIPAA and FERPA. Some question, what would sharing information do? First, it would make all the people around this child aware of the child's behavior to 1- protect themselves and 2- to make plans and coordinate efforts to better help the child overcome and address issues as they arise. In other words, people in the educational environment could do a much better job planning and meeting the needs of the particular student and addressing issues and potentially solving the problem of young school shooters and violent offenders.
Ban as many guns as you want...that will never solve this problem until we deal with the problem. All other things are only cosmetic!
Then you need to know, SOME OFFENDERS do NOT have an IEP!!!! So we can't stereotype kids either.
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