Why should schools exercise discretion in determining whom to talk to regarding a student they are assessing?
Dr. Reddy: Discretion will ensure that the child who is being inquired about is not further stigmatized in any way. One of the things that we have been stressing in our training this summer is the importance of fostering greater connections between adults and students within our schools. Using discretion helps protect against disenfranchising a child who might already be in need of greater connection in school. GC: Who within the school community should be responsible for conducting a threat assessment? Dr. Reddy: That is up to local schools and school boards. The threat assessment coordinator and team should be determined at the local level. GC: If a student has been identified as a legitimate threat, what is the next step that the school needs to take? Dr. Reddy: As we see it, there are three components to threat assessment. First, we identify a child who might have the idea or intent of attacking. Second, we evaluate that child, which means gathering the information from all the mul
