Professional Development | News

Scenario Learning Releases 'Active Shooter for Administrators' Safety Course

• By Christopher Piehler
• 06/24/14

Scenario Learning today introduced a new SafeSchools training course called "Active Shooter for Administrators." Written by school safety experts Michael and Chris Dorn, the online course outlines evidence-based methods that school and district administrators can use to improve the odds of survival during an active shooter event.

Michael Dorn is the Executive Director of Safe Havens International, a nonprofit campus safety center. A graduate of the FBI National Academy, he is routinely used as a resource by the FBI, U.S. Department of Education, National Emergency Management Association and other state and local agencies. Chris Dorn is an analyst at Safe Havens International and has served as a trainer for FEMA, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF), the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Israeli National Police.

"Active Shooter for Administrators" provides an overview of techniques to reduce the likelihood of violence on campus or — in the event of a violent incident — increase the likelihood of safety for students and staff. For instance, the course covers research-based strategies such as Enhanced School Lockdown that can be used in response to an active shooter on campus.

According to Brian Taylor, founder and CEO of Scenario Learning, the multimedia tutorial is divided into several segments to prompt periodic interaction and includes an interactive assessment at the end to measure comprehension. Taylor said, “This course can be used in a blended learning environment, as an online training for individuals or in instructor-led group presentations — whatever best meets a district’s needs. No matter the method, all completions can be tracked in the SafeSchools Staff Training System, so administrators can easily track compliance.”

Taylor added that he hoped administrators would take away three major points from the course. “First, base your active-shooter policy on proven research-based methods. Second, define your district’s active-shooter policy and train all staff on the plan. Third, your active-shooter policy should be part of your district’s overall Emergency Operations Plan or Crisis Response Plan, which should be reviewed and updated regularly so that in the event of a crisis, students and staff know how to respond.”

"Active Shooter for Administrators" is available as part of a subscription to the SafeSchools Online Staff Training System, which also includes courses such as "Managing the Aftermath of Tragedy," "Bullying Prevention" and "Visual Weapons Screening."