What is behavioral threat assessment and why does it matter in schools?

Behavioral threat assessment is a structured process for identifying, evaluating, and managing students who may pose a risk to themselves or others. It matters in schools because early identification and intervention can prevent incidents before they escalate. It shifts the focus from reactive punishment to proactive support and safety planning.

What resources are available to school leaders managing threat assessment?

Organizations such as the Association of Threat Assessment Professionals (ATAP) provide training, standards, and professional community for threat assessment practitioners. District-level protocols like the Adams County Threat Assessment Protocol offer a structured framework for Pre K-12 schools. The 'I Love U Guys' Foundation also provides school safety resources and training materials.

How should schools communicate with parents about threat assessment?

Schools should establish clear, consistent communication channels that inform parents and guardians about the threat assessment process without compromising student privacy or investigation integrity. Transparency about how concerns are identified and addressed helps build community trust. Educators and administrators should be trained to have these conversations in a calm, factual, and supportive manner.

Understanding Threat Assessment

In this episode of School Safety Today, Dr. Amy Grosso speaks with Heilit Biehl, Director of Judicial Services at Jeffco Public Schools, about the practical application of behavioral threat assessment in K-12 schools. They discuss early detection and intervention strategies, available resources for threat assessment teams, and how to communicate transparently with parents and guardians. Biehl draws on her extensive background in higher education crisis response and her leadership roles in national threat assessment organizations.

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By Education Technology · April 9, 2024, 6:00 AM UTCAmy GrossoHeilit BiehlRaptor TechnologiesSchool Safety Today Podcast

Key takeaways

Behavioral threat assessment enables early detection and intervention before situations escalate in school environments.

Transparent communication with parents and guardians is a critical component of an effective threat assessment process.

School leaders can access structured protocols and professional resources, such as ATAP and the Adams County Threat Assessment Protocol, to strengthen their programs.

In today's episode of School Safety Today by Raptor Technologies, host Dr. Amy Grosso sat down with Heilit Biehl, Director of Judicial Services, Jeffco Public Schools in Jefferson County Colorado, Board of Directors Vice-Chair for the "I Love U Guys" Foundation and President of the Rocky Mountain chapter of the Association of Threat Assessment Professionals (ATAP). During the conversation, they discussed the significance and practical application of behavioral threat assessment within schools. Additionally, they explored resources available to those responsible for overseeing threat assessment processes.

Key highlights from the discussion include:

Learn practical strategies and resources for improving threat assessment processes
How early detection and intervention through threat assessments can prevent escalation
Understand ways to facilitate transparent communication with parents and guardians

About the Guest

Heilit Biehl serves on the Board of Directors for the "I Love U Guys" Foundation as Vice-Chair and is the President of the Rocky Mountain chapter of the Association of Threat Assessment Professionals (ATAP). She has worked in education for over 15 years with 10 of those years at colleges and universities in Colorado, Florida, and Utah. While in Higher Ed, she worked in Residence Life, Crisis Response, Case Management, and led a Behavior Intervention/CARE team. Heilit also trains school districts on the Adams County Threat Assessment Protocol (Pre K-12) Heilit is also a board delegate and Scholarship Chair for the Colorado Association of Latino/Latina Administrators & Superintendents (CO-ALAS).