A short video and pdf instructional material address information-sharing during reporting and assessment in the context of threats to school safety.
When done correctly, information-sharing is a crucial part of any school system and should be used to prevent incidents and protect students, staff, and the community. Information- sharing is also a key component of behavioral threat assessment and management (BTAM), as well as ensuring school safety. Under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA}, personally identifiable information from education records cannot be disclosed without written consent; however, FERPA includes exceptions that permit data sharing under certain conditions. Learn when to release or withhold student information collected through reporting systems and threat assessment processes. In addition, explore additional resources to guide your information-sharing practices. This guide is intended primarily for school personnel, school resource officers, school counselors, threat assessment teams, and mental health providers.