Two Training Levels are Available

Level I: Introduction to School Behavioral Threat Assessment 
This full-day training provides a foundational understanding of school violence prevention, the pathway to violence, and the step-by-step threat assessment process. Participants will learn how to build and operate a multidisciplinary BTA team, manage concerning behaviors, and implement strategies aligned with Vermont’s legal requirements, including trauma-informed and equity-focused practices. Ideal for all school staff and team members new to BTA. 

This full-day, introductory training provides Vermont educators, school staff, and safety partners with a foundational understanding of School Behavioral Threat Assessment (BTA) principles and practices. Participants will explore the history and prevalence of school violence, distinguish between impulsive and targeted violence, and learn the step-by-step procedures of the BTA process through case studies, scenario-based exercises, and interactive discussion. 

Grounded in evidence-based research and aligned with national best practices and Vermont-specific legal mandates (including 16 V.S.A. § 1485, Section 504, and trauma-informed and anti-bias practices), the course supports participants in building effective school threat assessment teams and implementing preventive interventions that are non-punitive and student-centered. 

Key Topics Include: 

  • Overview of the history, myths, and prevalence of school violence 

  • Understanding the “Pathway to Violence” and behavioral indicators 

  • Key principles and components of a school-based BTA program 

  • Step-by-step threat assessment process (identification, inquiry, assessment, action planning) 

  • Case management planning and resource coordination 

  • Vermont legal requirements (e.g., exclusionary discipline, manifestation determination, civil rights protections) 

  • Roles and responsibilities of multidisciplinary BTA teams 

  • Case studies of completed and averted acts of school violence 

  • Promoting reporting culture, student connection, and school climate improvement 

See Available Dates

Level II: Advanced School Behavioral Threat Assessment Practices 
This advanced training is designed for individuals who have completed Level I training and are actively supporting or leading BTA efforts in their schools. Level II explores complex scenarios, nuanced case management strategies, and practical solutions for common challenges. Emphasis is placed on supporting students with disabilities, improving team consistency and fidelity, and building long-term capacity. 

Designed for Vermont school threat assessment team members with prior BTA training experience, this full-day advanced training builds on the foundational concepts introduced in Level I. Participants will deepen their understanding of the complexities of threat assessment and management through in-depth case studies, practical application exercises, and problem-solving scenarios. 

Level II explores nuanced issues such as managing cases involving students with disabilities, navigating limited resources, addressing school culture and climate, and maintaining fidelity and consistency across BTA teams. Emphasis is placed on supporting high-functioning, multidisciplinary teams and integrating BTA into broader school safety systems. 

Key Topics Include: 

  • Advanced case studies and situational exercises involving complex behavioral concerns 

  • Reinforcement of BTA core concepts, principles, and legal context 

  • Supporting students with disabilities and understanding the role of manifestation determinations 

  • Strategies for overcoming implementation challenges and resource gaps 

  • Enhancing team communication, consistency, and competency 

  • Preventing and mitigating bias within team decision-making 

  • Supporting BTA fidelity and sustainability in diverse school environments 

  • The role of family engagement, anonymous reporting, and community partnerships in prevention 

See Available Dates