The US Department of Homeland Security’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) established the School Safety Task Force (SSTF) to support the federal government’s efforts in strengthening the safety and security of kindergarten through grade 12 (K-12) schools across the country. SSTF’s work centers around building the capacity of K-12 schools and school districts to  protect against and mitigate security threats and risks. It supports schools by developing and deploying practical and tailorable guidance, resources and tools, and by educating K-12 communities on school safety issues, threats and hazards. SSTF also coordinates federal school safety efforts through the administration of  the Federal School Safety Clearinghouse, an interagency collaboration comprised of the US Departments of Education, Health and Human Services, Homeland Security, and Justice. As part of these efforts, SSTF manages the Clearinghouse’s  public website, SchoolSafety.gov, which serves as a comprehensive repository of federal and state resources, programs, tools and evidence-based practices on a range of school safety topics.  

Educational Opportunities

ACA Online Learning 

 

CISA Learning 

  • CISA Live! on K-12 School Safety — On February 29, CISA held a CISA Live! on LinkedIn Live on K-12 School Safety. Lindsay Burton, CISA’s associate director of school safety, discussed the agency's work and resources to help the kindergarten to grade 12 community reduce their physical security risk.

Blogs and Articles

CISA Resources

Below are several resources for camp professionals that can be accessed and used within your organization at any time!

  • K-12 School Security Guide Product Suite — The K-12 School Security Guide Product Suite is designed to provide K-12 districts and campuses with resources, tools, and strategies to improve school physical security. With these products, schools and districts will learn the steps necessary to assess vulnerabilities, strengthen security, and better protect K-12 communities.
  • K-12 Bystander Reporting Toolkit — The K-12 Bystander Reporting Toolkit offers simple strategies and guidance K-12 schools and school districts can use to implement and enhance safety reporting programs and encourage bystander reporting among students and other members of the school community
  • K-12 Anonymized Threat Response Guidance — The K-12 Anonymized Threat Response Guidance provides best practices for K-12 schools and law enforcement partners to understand and implement scalable response solutions to anonymous threats of violence.  

In addition to the above, CISA offers a variety of resources available for free on prevalent topics such as active shooter preparedness, conflict prevention, insider threat mitigation, and many more.