It’s a terrible truth that we live in a world where school shootings have been normalized to the point that schools have started active shooter drills. While this is a way to ensure students are prepared for the worst-case scenarios, some argue that the drills are becoming too realistic. These people believe that actors, props, and surprise drills are traumatizing for the students.
With students’ physical safety and mental health in mind, the New York State Board of Regents has modified the rules regarding active shooter drills. The new measures are set to take effect this upcoming school year.
Based on the updated rule, provided by WWNYTV, schools must notify parents of any upcoming drills and the drills are to be held in a manner considered age-appropriate for the student body.
While “age-appropriate” isn’t explained in detail, it’s safe to assume that the older the students, the more intense the drills will be.
The time between when parents are notified and the drill date will vary depending on the district and town. For Albany, for instance, WCAX noted that schools will notify parents at least one week before the scheduled drill.
WWNYTV has also stated that “schools and law enforcement agencies will no longer be allowed to use actors, props, or depictions of violence for drills during a school day”.
If schools wish to perform drills with such factors, they must do so outside of regular school hours and students are not to be included unless parental consent is given.
The new rules also state that schools must complete drills on different days of the week and at varying times.
The new rules have seen both positive and negative feedback. While supporters say the change decreases the trauma realistic active shooter drills can cause, others say that realistic drills will make the students more prepared if such a horrid scenario were to occur in real life.
On the new rules, NYSP Trooper James D’Ambro said “We want to bring your pulse rate down to understand what is going to happen during a drill. And if you have muscle memory, you can work through anything”.
Hopefully, the lessons learned in these scenarios will never have to be used. But, if they do, our students will be prepared.
