PPS Behavioral Safety Assessment System (BSAS)
The PPS Behavioral Safety Assessment System (BSAS) is a comprehensive set of tools and resources designed to assist school personnel in identifying and responding to situations that may pose a risk to safety.
This violence prevention approach provides a critical alternative to exclusionary discipline through the creation of individualized, student-centered strategies that address the underlying factors that contribute to potential risk, actively enhancing safety while supporting student success.
Contact:
1
Reported Concern
Concerning behavior is reported to admin.
2
Investigation
Information is gathered from a variety of sources.
3
Assessment
Areas in need of support are identified.
4
Safety & Support
Individualized Safety & Support strategies are developed.
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Level 1 Protocol
Level 1 Protocol Manual
The BSAS Level 1 Protocol provides step-by-step guidance in navigating the Behavioral Safety Assessment process, from immediate safety considerations to comprehensive safety & support planning.
BSAS Procedural Checklist
The BSAS Procedural Checklist outlines every step of the process to help Level 1 Team members stay organized from initial safety considerations to final documentation.
Investigative Resources
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 critical foundation for an accurate assessment, relying on information gathered from a variety of sources to clearly map out the context of the situation, allowing the team to accurately evaluate potential risk and develop effective safety & support interventions.
BSAS Interview Guidelines
These interview guides help teams gather first-hand information from the people most familiar with a student of concern. By looking at insights from the school, home, and peers, teams can build a complete picture of the situation resulting in a more accurate safety evaluation.
Student Interview
A supportive, fact-based conversation to understand the student's perspective, emotional state, and intent.
Student / Witness Interview
Conversations with peers to clarify reported statements, worrisome actions, or specific behaviors observed by others.
Parent / Guardian Interview
A vital link to understand the student's history, recent life stressors, and access to potential means of harm.
Teacher / Staff Questionnaire
Staff accounts of the incident or observations regarding a student's behavior and recent changes from their baseline.
Additional Sources of Information
A thorough evaluation often requires looking at background information outside of direct interviews. These sources help teams look at official records, online behaviors, and environmental factors to round out the investigation.
Synergy
Electronic records including previous BSAS records, Suicide Screenings, discipline history, report cards, etc. provide valuable contextual details about a student's history.
Classwork-related communications
(Journaling, artwork, creative projects, notebooks, etc.)
A review of a student's academic-related communications may reveal underlying mindsets, thematic fixations, or evolving grievances not shared during standard interviews.
Search of belongings
Team members can address safety concerns by searching backpacks, purses, pockets, or any personal items a student brings to school if there is a reasonable concern or for safety reasons.
(See Student Rights, Responsibilities and Discipline Handbook, pg. 11)
Review history of involvement with other agencies
(Contact 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, and or abuse.
Online activity / Social media
(When necessary)
A student's behavior online can provide critical details into potential risks to safety. Reviewing a student's social media or online activity provides insight into interactions with peers, personal interests, or intentions.
Documentation & Record Retention
Finalizing an assessment requires formal documentation. These portals allow team members to officially document an investigation or look up past records when evaluating current student needs.
Behavioral Safety Assessment Form
Use the Behavioral Safety Assessment form to document steps taken throughout the assessment process.
This online form is used to document both Level 0 Behavioral Safety Incident Dismissals and Level 1 Behavioral Safety Assessments. Once completed, documents are automatically submitted to the Student Success & Health Department.
BSAS Procedural Checklist
The BSAS Procedural Checklist outlines every step of the process to help Level 1 Team members stay organized from initial safety considerations to final documentation.
Documentation & Record Retention
Click here to document an assessment/dismissal
Use the PPS Behavioral Safety Assessment form to document steps taken throughout the assessment process.
This online form is used to document both Level 0 Behavioral Safety Incident Dismissals and Level 1 Behavioral Safety Assessments. Once completed, documents are automatically submitted to the Student Success & Health Department.
Click here to access BSAS Records
Completed Behavioral Safety Assessments are stored and shared with school-based assessment team members. Team members can access completed assessment documents in order to review and update previous assessments.
Access is restricted to authorized assessment team members only.
If you are unable to access records, contact PPS Behavioral Safety Assessment Coordinator, Joel Warnock, jwarnock@pps.net, 503-348-3731 for more information.