Rightsize. Right Support. Right for Students.
Portland Public Schools is undertaking a districtwide rightsizing process to better align our schools, programs, and resources with the needs of today’s students and the realities shaping our future.
A Behavioral Safety Assessment examines the dynamic relationship between an individual, a potential target, and the specific circumstances at a given moment in time. A thorough investigation provides the foundation for an accurate assessment by gathering information from multiple sources, clarifying the context of the situation, and helping the team evaluate potential risk and develop effective safety and support interventions.
These interview guides help teams gather information from the people most familiar with the student and the circumstances surrounding a concern. Perspectives from the student, peers, family, and school staff can help the team develop a more complete understanding of the situation.
A supportive, fact-based conversation to understand the student's perspective, emotional state, and intent.
Open Interview →
Conversations with peers to clarify reported statements, worrisome actions, or specific behaviors observed by others.
Open Interview →
A vital link to understanding the student's history, recent life stressors, and access to potential means of harm.
Open Interview →
Staff accounts of the incident or observations regarding a student's behavior and recent changes from their baseline.
Open Questionnaire →A thorough evaluation may require information beyond direct interviews. When relevant to the circumstances, additional sources can provide important context about a student's history, behavior, experiences, and current situation.
Electronic records including previous BSAS records, Suicide Screenings, discipline history, report cards, and other available student information can provide valuable contextual details about a student's history.
Journaling, artwork, creative projects, notebooks, and other school-related communications
A review of a student's academic-related communications may reveal underlying mindsets, thematic fixations, or evolving grievances that were not shared during interviews.
Team members can address safety concerns by searching backpacks, purses, pockets, or other personal items a student brings to school when there is a reasonable concern or when necessary for safety.
See Student Rights, Responsibilities and Discipline Handbook, pg. 11.
Contact the BSAS Program Manager or Security Services for support.
Information may include family interaction with law enforcement or ODHS. Teams may be able to identify incidents involving violence, weapons, or abuse that provide additional context for the assessment.
When necessary
A student's online behavior can provide important information related to potential safety concerns. Reviewing relevant social media or online activity may provide additional context about peer interactions, personal interests, grievances, or intentions.
