Senate Bill 68 requires schools to have annual security assessments. Security assessments typically identify areas of risks, observable hazards, and the level of readiness of staff to respond to security and safety issues.

Comprehensive assessments may have a hefty price tag when contracted services are utilized. While an initial assessment by a reputable organization is beneficial, ongoing assessments can and should be conducted by school staff assigned to specific workspaces. However, to do so, requires training and an understanding of the following:

• Components of an assessment and how it is conducted
• What constitutes a risk or a hazard
• When is a risk acceptable
• Strategies for mitigating or eliminating risks
• Measurement of readiness
• Use of short/long term planning to address findings

Missouri State University in collaboration with Edu-Safe USA has developed a workshop to assist schools in complying with Senate Bill 68 without the annual expense of using outside assessors. With this workshop attendees will receive:

• Sample templates for conducting an assessment
• Questionnaires for determining the level of readiness
• Instructions for analyzing risk and hazards through real life examples
• Strategies for making all staff participatory in school safety and the implementation of assessments.