Restricting School Lockdown Drills.

[Andy54Hawken]

Again I as a Elementary School Behavior Specialist , can only speak for my school.

I haven't seen any kids or parents traumatized by the drills...
I have seen and heard many questions 'bout the drills and our actions / reactions by both parents and students...many were valid questions and concerns , some were of the "eye roll" variety for sure.

Can they be seen as scary ...yes
It is good to remember that everyone reacts differently to various situations and what is scary or traumatizing to one , may be "Ho-Hum" to another.

With that said...
It would be easy to overstate this trauma or potential for trauma and use it to push an agenda...
So I can understand that point of reference as well.
Andy

 

[MannyGlocks]

When 'snowflakes' leave the nest (if ever...) they'll find real life much harder after being coddled...now I'm going to my safe place...the gun range.

 

[Jcon268]

I have been really bothered by the testimony from students, educators and parents regarding the trauma they experience when going through lockdown drills. Most recently with testimony in SB 978 hearing. I can't tell if they are being sincere or if it's an act to try and gain sympathy from legislators and electors. Or both.

Do these students really believe that restricting our rights is going to eliminate lockdown drills? If they don't believe that, what is the point of their testimony in a hearing on a bill like SB978?

If these lockdown drills really are causing emotional trauma among students, faculty and family members maybe they should do away with them or perform them in such a way that it mitigates the trauma. Tips on doing that:
Mitigating Psychological Effects of Lockdowns

The more skeptical/paranoid side of me thinks that administrators could be intentionally make these drills more emotionally traumatic than necessary to influence kids to side with anti-rights causes.

I want to address this with all parties involved but I'm not sure how to approach it. Any ideas? Should I attempt legislation that
that requires less traumatic lockdown procedures. I would think this would be a non-partisan issue?

The name of the education game isn't teaching kids to be prepared in general so is this really any surprise? Don't be prepared with how to do budgeting, tax preparation, how to be prepared for a real CAREER in the future and now....how to be prepared for danger.

Why exactly are we putting our kids in public school anymore? Our graduation rate in Oregon is 3rd lowest in the country. I'm sure they'll blame that on not being able to focus because of lockdown drills too

 

[American123]

Have you been in one as an elementary or middle school student? Even my wife says they are wicked scary and she has beat cancer without one complaint, so not a wimp.

Drills, yes as a student, and a teacher.

What's scary about being silent for 5 minutes practicing?

 

[Jcon268]

I remember the air raid and nuke drills when I was in elementary school. We had them at least once a month. They would blow the siren and we would all file out into the hallway, kneel down facing the lockers and cover the back of our necks with our hands and wait. It was interesting times back then. I liked them because it disrupted classroom time. None of the kids ever freaked out though.

When my dad was a kid he said they had nuke drills constantly because of the threat from Russia. THAT would be scary.

 

[Jcon268]

My wife teaches middle school special ed and I can assure you folks that think the new drills are as benign as our old duck and cover drills are wrong. They are intentionally realistic so both teachers and students will know what it's like when the real thing happens.

As to the testimony, I am in agreement with the OP - not seeing the relevance. I just wanted to point out the actual intensity of the drills.

That is all.

I hate to say it but this is how it must be done. Kids in schools are some of the softest, most vulnerable targets out there. We haven't afforded them much protection and up until now, have sheltered them from dangers under the false pretense of being safe because there are "adults around." Unfortunately most of those adults are no more prepared than the children.

 

[cigars]

When my dad was a kid he said they had nuke drills constantly because of the threat from Russia. THAT would be scary.

Oh yeah, Cold War baby. Good times.

 

[Hop Sing]

Drills, yes as a student, and a teacher.

What's scary about being silent for 5 minutes practicing?

I was referring to hiding in a darkened classroom while listening to the police and canine units clearing halls, storage rooms, and other places very loudly and aggressively.

 

[MannyGlocks]

I remember getting under my desk knowing it was an exercise in futility. If it's 'nuke time' you're toast...

Did it cause me fear?

Yes, caused me nightmares too, but I didn't shake in my shoes or whine, unlike the mil. contingent who're apparently unprepared for anything frightening...in general...sheesh, there's a lot in life that's scary, it's called living ya wimps!

 

[American123]

I was referring to hiding in a darkened classroom while listening to the police and canine units clearing halls, storage rooms, and other places very loudly and aggressively.

Still not sure what part of "this is a drill, this is only a drill" becomes scary.

Now if you are telling me that lock downs are taking place without the knowledge of staff and students and they are pretended to be "real," then yes that could and would scare students and staff if they are being led to believe it is a real event when it is only a drill. As far as I know that isn't the case.

 

[EPS]

I'm sorry but I get the lock the door thing .
But the lock the door sit in the corner and be quite thing is just not right.
It should be lock the door .
Then figure out how to get away from the gun fire.
If you hear gun fire down the hall go the other way.
If you're in a classroom .
Lock the door and .
Break a window and get out of the building.
Of course if the Shooting is outside .
Move in to the building away from the gun fire.
BUT SITTING IN A CORNER WAITING FOR A SHOT TO THE BACK .
don't sit well with me.
You would probably be better off with a ambush attack set up.

 

[Ruger Rich]

You play the game as you practice the game

 

[EPS]

Lol from some of the pictures I have seen on here with kids .
Shooting guns.
MMMMMMMM
Maybe some kids should be allowed to carry at school.
Some shoot better than me.
Just saying.

 

[Mark W.]

Wow you want trama try going to school when the teachers wacked you with a paddle or in the case of one of my slightly deranged 6th grade teachers the wood and leather desk leg thightener. Or the kid who wacked me in the head with a softball bat. Kids now days are so soft its scarry.

 

[American123]

I'm sorry but I get the lock the door thing .
But the lock the door sit in the corner and be quite thing is just not right.
It should be lock the door .
Then figure out how to get away from the gun fire.
If you hear gun fire down the hall go the other way.
If you're in a classroom .
Lock the door and .
Break a window and get out of the building.
Of course if the Shooting is outside .
Move in to the building away from the gun fire.
BUT SITTING IN A CORNER WAITING FOR A SHOT TO THE BACK .
don't sit well with me.
You would probably be better off with a ambush attack set up.

Educators are trapped legally speaking with the options that the legislature gives them.

Because somehow being expected to be a meat shield is morally superior to being able to shoot an evil person attempting to harm children and prevent unnecessary loss of life.

No sane person thinks sitting waiting to be executed is a good idea, however, when choosing to arm yourself for something that might happen carries jail time and loss of job, locking the door and trying to avoid detection is a common option. They do teach now to escape he area if possible, but if you are leading 25 kids outside obviously you would need to be darn sure you aren't leading them toward danger.

I know teachers who keep a hammer in their desk with the idea they would use that. I keep a 3+ lightweight plate in a slick carrier inside a backpack I use for work. I figure if we were having a shots fired real lockdown, at least I'd have some armor to make myself more of an adversary from an ambush perspective.

I'm hoping one day we finally get smart and let teachers arm themselves. Once I'm tenured, I plan to challenge it hard with the premise that if police officers can carry in schools, as long as a teacher can qual accordingly, no reason they shouldn't be able to either.

 

[EPS]

Educators are trapped legally speaking with the options that the legislature gives them.

Because somehow being expected to be a meat shield is morally superior to being able to shoot an evil person attempting to harm children and prevent unnecessary loss of life.

No sane person thinks sitting waiting to be executed is a good idea, however, when choosing to arm yourself for something that might happen carries jail time and loss of job, locking the door and trying to avoid detection is a common option. They do teach now to escape he area if possible, but if you are leading 25 kids outside obviously you would need to be darn sure you aren't leading them toward danger.

I know teachers who keep a hammer in their desk with the idea they would use that. I keep a 3+ lightweight plate in a slick carrier inside a backpack I use for work. I figure if we were having a shots fired real lockdown, at least I'd have some armor to make myself more of an adversary from an ambush perspective.

I'm hoping one day we finally get smart and let teachers arm themselves. Once I'm tenured, I plan to challenge it hard with the premise that if police officers can carry in schools, as long as a teacher can qual accordingly, no reason they shouldn't be able to either.

I know this is not up to the teacher like you .
I spend a lot of time with @AndyinEverson .
Also a teacher.
And a combat Veteran.
I believe he could teach them something but .
It is what it is.
I was just putting my two cents in.

 

[EPS]

There is a few teachers here on this site.
But if they spoke up in a teacher meeting and said they know about guns.
There head would be on a stick in front of the school.
There best bet is go along with the B.S.
and hope nothing ever happens.
But if it does happen.
Those are the teachers that will step up and do what has to be done.
Just my opinion.
I have no DOUBT .
THERE ARE REALLY GREAT TEACHERS OUT THERE.
But like you said they are handcuffed .
By the left libral B.S.

 

[titsonritz]

Gee whiz, I just can't imagine how the world is filling up with a bunch of pussies.

 

[EPS]

Wow you want trama try going to school when the teachers wacked you with a paddle or in the case of one of my slightly deranged 6th grade teachers the wood and leather desk leg thightener. Or the kid who wacked me in the head with a softball bat. Kids now days are so soft its scarry.

Been there done that.
My mom signed the papers that said it was ok .
For the Principal to Swat my @$$

 

[Nick Burkhardt]

We still had "Duck and Cover" drills when I was in elementary school. Every generation has its boogieman.