School Safety

http://www.cnn.com/2013/10/21/justice/nevada-middle-school-shooting/index.html

We have talked this semester about testing, evaluations, charters, and policies. We have debated about strategies in the classrooms and different aspects of teaching as a profession; however, we have yet to discuss more fundamental issues in schooling. Students' and teachers' safety and security must occur and be the foundation that a school may operate, and then curriculums implemented, tests administered, etc. On Monday in Nevada, we were reminded about how important student safety is.

At a middle school, a boy shot two students, injuring them, and killed a teacher then himself. Tragedies like this can never be planned for, and they always shock communities totally. We can't change these horrific events, but as future educators or people who plan to be around schools, how do we prepare for  the unthinkable? Is it necessary or even legal to have metal detectors at every entrance of schools? Should there be an officer in each building? Is educating teachers about gun safety and how to subdue an attacker worthwhile? What if a teacher is a pacifist and refuses to take part in such an education, could the school board step in for enforcement?

 I think that there must be some education and a plan of action in place for all schools. As individuals, we never believe that we will ever encounter something like the events at the middle school in Nevada. However, no one ever believes that they will have to be prepared for something like this but it has happened in many schools. I wish that there would be more discussion over preparedness for safety issues like this in classrooms.