Assessing Cultural Competency in School Crisis Plans

Abstract

This study reviewed school-based crisis planning resources and guidelines provided by 40 state departments of education and offices of safe and drug-free schools. Content was examined for indications of cultural competency. The most frequently reported topics included: (a) assisting students with mental and physical disabilities, (b) tapping into community resources representative of diverse cultural groups, and (c) strengthening communication by addressing cross-cultural language and communication issues. Although 33 of the 40 states mentioned topics related to human diversity and cultural sensitivity, the focus was peripheral. Tying research to practical application, suggestions are made to strengthen cultural competence in school-based crisis planning, ultimately improving supportive services for all students and families.

Healing after traumatic events: Aligning interventions with cultural background and religious and spiritual beliefs

“…When considering the impact of death and traumatic loss on school communities, school crisis plans must proactively address sensitive and appropriate responses that align with students' and families' R/S needs. In creating school crisis plans, administrators must consider who they are planning for (Annandale, Heath, Dean, Kemple & Takino, 2011;Heath et al, 2006). This includes taking into account a variety of demographic characteristics, including R/S beliefs.…”

School crisis prevention, response, and recovery.

“…Fewer than 50% of U.S. school districts involve com munity partners in emergency planning (U.S. GAO, 2007). Schools may not exercise emergency protocols or make provisions for students with disabili ties and families with limited English proficiency (Annandale, Heath, Dean, Kemple, & Takino, 2011; U.S. GAO, 2007). This chapter focuses on crisis prevention, response, and recovery, highlighting two comprehensive, collab orative models grounded in federal guidance and prevention science literature: the Virginia Student Threat Assessment Guidelines (Cornell & Sheras, 2006) and the PREPaRE school crisis prevention and intervention model (Brock et al, 2009(Brock et al, , 2016.…”