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Background

Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-6-(3-15) or the SAVE Act (Schools Against Violence in Education) establishes specific and consistent requirements for local education agencies in providing a safe school environment. The act also establishes a state-level safety team to provide guidance to school districts in their efforts to address, plan, and implement an emergency response plan. Below is the product of that effort. Please find the SAVE Act Compliance Instrument/ Self-Assessment, Compliance Package/Instructions and the School-Level Contact Information to help ensure that your district is complying with all the requirements set forth. The instrument provides a framework for emergency planning aimed at bringing together all available resources and stakeholders to provide for the safety of all of Tennessee’s students.

To begin developing or revising your existing emergency response plans review Multi-Hazard Emergency Planning for Schools. For more information on specific elements of an emergency response plan click here. Also find additional planning resources below that will help you comply with each planning requirement set forth.

Timeline / Act Implementation

The SAVE Act allows the Commissioner of Education to grant a two-year waiver to districts that are in substantial compliance with the provisions of the Act. Directors of Schools were provided an opportunity to certify compliance and receive a waiver. Those districts will not be required to submit the required documentation until October 1, 2009. All other districts must submit the SAVE Act Compliance Package identified below on or before October 1, 2008.

For additional information on the SAVE Act contact Mike Herrmann at (615) 741-3248. For a list of current training events offered by the Office of School Safety and Learning Support that support current emergency response planning click here.

Compliance Documents

SAVE Act Compliance Instrument/ Self Assessment

Save Act Compliance Package/Instructions

School-Level Emergency Coordinator Contact Information

Example Emergency Response Plans (ERPs)

Each school district and community is unique. Therefore, ERPs should be developed in collaboration with local emergencies response agencies based on likely hazards found within the community. For examples of those types of collaboratives contact Mike Herrmann at (615) 741-3248 for example ERPs. Please note that due to the sensitive nature of the example ERPs submitted by Tennessee school districts, examples will only be released to Director of Schools and other authorized employees per the Director's request.

Save Act General Requirements/ Additional Resources

Standard 1.0: Emergency Management

Standard 2.0: Prevention and Intervention

Standard 3.0: Policies and Procedures

Standard 1.0: Emergency Management

A district and school level emergency response plan (ERP) has been developed in conjunction with local emergency response agencies. The ERP is fluid and integrates a multi-hazard approach to planning, involvement from appropriate stakeholders and establishes an incident command structure synchronized with both district and school level safety teams.

	*Indicators of Success*	Available Resources
1.1	A district and school level emergency response plan (ERP) has been developed in coordination with local emergency response agencies and other appropriate stakeholders including the following: police and fire departments, EMS, local medical facilities, administrators, staff, parents and students, school nurse(s), school resource officer(s), mental health agencies, school transportation personnel and other appropriate community representatives.	Multi-Hazard Emergency Planning for Schools (Training Module) Introduction to Community Emergency Response Teams (Training Module) Steps for Developing a School Emergency Response Plan Components of Comprehensive School and School District Response Management Plans
1.2	Mutual aid agreements exist with local response agencies that outline the type of assistance, and identify a chain of command for activating the agreement, define a common language for communicating before, during and after an emergency, and include response agencies when conducting functional exercises.	FEMA's Guidelines for Mutual Aid Agreements NIMS Model Mutual Aid Agreement Example Mutual Aid Agreements
1.3	The district and schools have readily available and provided a current copy of the ERP, floor plans/blueprints, schematics, and maps of the school interior and grounds to local emergency response agencies.	Office of Environmental Health and Safety (Example Safety Plan) Emergency Response Information for School Facilities
1.4	The ERP has identified district and school safety teams with roles and responsibilities aimed at preventing, responding to and recovering from emergencies. Members include but not limited to the following individuals: director of schools, administrators, staff, parents, school bus personnel and local emergency response agencies.	Emergency Manager: An Orientation to the Position (Training Module) Engaging Administrators in School Emergency Management Preparing Your School for a Crisis (US Department of Education)
1.5	The ERP designates district and school-level safety coordinators. The names of these individuals has been communicated to local emergency response agencies, administrators, staff and students, the Department of Education, and other appropriate individuals.	Practical Information on Crisis Planning Disaster Basics (Training Module)
1.6	The district and school ERP has designated a first responder team of individuals trained in CPR, bloodborne pathogens, first aid, general emergency management and the use of an AED (automated external defibrillator). The first responder team is readily available to manage and care for students, administrators, staff, and visitors in the absence of or while awaiting local emergency response agencies.	American Red Cross American Heart Association
1.7	The district ERP has integrated a recovery strategy into the plan that coordinates a postvention team available to each school. The team is accessible to provide counseling and other support for students, staff, and parents following an emergency or other traumatic event.	American Red Cross (Disaster Services) PREPARE Training Information PREPARE Training Notebook PREPARE Supplemental Form PREPARE Power Point
1.8	District and school ERPs follow FEMA’s (Federal Emergency Management Agency) emergency management cycling including the following stages in planning: mitigation and prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery. Furthermore, the school district is working towards voluntary compliance of NIMS Implementation Matrix for State and Territories.	FEMA Creating Emergency Management Plans Guidelines for School Emergency Planning NIMS Implementation Matrix for State and Territories
1.9	School and district ERPs integrate a multi-hazard approach to planning and annually assesses the following hazards: classrooms, community, structural and non-structural. When present, the SRO (School Resource Officer) conducts /or assists schools in these assessments.	Introduction to Hazard Mitigation (Training Module) NCEF Safe Schools Facilities Checklist School Building Assessment Methods Building Successful Programs to Address Chemical Risks in Schools An Introduction to Hazardous Materials (Training Module) Tennessee School Resource Officer Association
1.10	The district and school ERPs included an emergency transportation plan for moving students to an off-site location including at least two alternative sites (one of which is outside the local community).	National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Tennessee Association of Pupil Transportation (Resources)
1.11	The district ERP has addressed any potential emergencies that might take place while transporting students and staff (a separate emergency plan for school buses is developed and revised annually or as needed).	National Transportation Safety Board Highway Watch
1.12	An Incident Command System (ICS) for the district and school integrates a chain of command (outlined in an organizational chart) with a single incident commander and alternates to carry out the ERP. ICS utilizes FEMA’s five functional areas including: command, operations, planning, logistics and finance/administration.	IS-100 Introduction to Incident Command System for Schools (Training Module) National Institute for Justice
1.13	Each individual falling under the Incident Command System (ICS) has assigned and designated responsibilities during an emergency and received training accordingly.	National Incident Management System
1.14	All district and school ERPs include the following elements: concept of operations, first responder team, postvention team, parent notification plan, plan for relocating and releasing students, designated primary and alternate evacuation routes, planning for school-sponsored events, field trips, bus emergencies and on-site and off-site command posts.	The US Department of Education (School Safety and NCLB) National Safety Council Special Events Contingency Planning for Public Safety Agencies (Training Module)
1.15	An internal and external communication plan is developed to ensure contact is established in a way that facilitates rapid and secure distribution of critical emergency information. Furthermore, plain language is developed and used for commands that alert administrators, staff, students and local emergency response agencies to the appropriate emergency response(s).	Effective Communication (Training Module) Emergency Support Function 15 (ESF 15) External Affairs: A New Approach to Emergency Communication and Information Distribution (Training Module) Federal Communications Commission Department of Homeland Security
1.16	The district ERP has outlined a media response/communication plan. At minimum the plan includes the following: a designated public information officer (PIO), the establishment of one unified message, plan for communicating information to parents and the community, identified and separate staging areas for the media, and guidelines on how to respond to media questioning during an emergency.	Establishing and Developing Strategic Partnerships with Media Representatives
1.17	District, school, classroom, and bus emergency kits are on hand and include (when appropriate): specific emergency response plans (flip charts, crisis cards, etc.), staff and student emergency contact and medical information, bus route information, student release information, phone trees and emergency numbers, first aid kits and other appropriate items.	Emergency "Go-kits"
1.18	District and school ERPs address and plan for the distinct needs of special populations during an emergency such as disabled and/or non-English-speaking students and staff.	Special Needs Planning Considerations for Service and Support Providers (Training Module) Planning and Designing for Students with Disabilities Integrating Students with Special Needs and Disabilities
1.19	The district ERP and all school-level ERPs have included plans for the documentation of administrative actions during an emergency. Such records might include the following: telephone logs, detailed description of events and actions taken, records of injuries and follow-up actions, accounting for administrators, staff and students, notification of parents and parent pick up documentation.	Vital Records Management (Power Point) Principles of Emergency Management
1.20	In coordination with local emergency response agencies, the district and school has developed, disseminated and implemented emergency drills/procedures for the following: evacuation, reverse evacuation, lockdown, shelter-in-place, and drop, cover and hold. Administrators, staff, and students have been trained in these procedures.	Planning and Conducting Functional Exercises READY America, US Department of Homeland Security
1.21	The school district has explored the issues associated with a continuity of operations plan (COOP) that would allow the district to continue mission-critical operations following an event that results in significant loss of personnel and/or extended school closing (pandemic flu).	Pandemic Flu Preparedness Continuity of Operations Plan (FEMA)
1.22	All components of the district and school ERP are reviewed and revised annually based on deficiencies identified through drills, exercises, and actual implementation. Any new potential hazards, safety issues, and/or threats (based on yearly assessments) are accounted for in the ERP. Revisions to the ERP are made in coordination with all appropriate stakeholders and delivered to local emergency response agencies ensuring that a current plan resides with these agencies at all times.	Updating and Maintaining School Emergency Management Plans
1.23	Consistent with Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-6-801 the district has made available a summary of the system-wide ERP for public comment at least (30) days prior to its adoption.	Families as Partners in School Emergency Management
1.24	As outlined in Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-6-801, the district level ERP has been submitted to the Tennessee Department of Education. Supplemental materials include contact information for the following individuals: director of schools, emergency coordinator, crisis intervention/postvention coordinator, PIO, school-level emergency coordinators, and the transportation supervisor.	SAVE Act
1.25	The district has delivered a copy of the system-level ERP and all school-level ERPs to local law enforcement and emergency management agencies.	SAVE Act

Standard 2.0: Prevention and Intervention

Some emergencies can be prevented and/or mitigated. School safety planning includes taking appropriate steps to prevent problems from developing in the first place. Districts should attempt to defuse a crisis before it occurs by creating supportive learning environments that strive to reduce potential risks to the greatest extent possible. This includes training administrators and staff to identify students who exhibit early warning signs for the potential use of violence.

	Indicators of Success	Available Resources
2.1	The guiding philosophy and mission of the district and schools is central to student success, invokes high levels of staff support, and fosters a safe and supportive school climate.	School Climate Resources A Guide to Managing Threatening Situations and to Creating Safe School Climates
2.2	Administrators, staff and transportation personnel are trained to identify the early-warning signs associated with students who pose a potential threat to others or themselves including training in threat assessment and crisis intervention.	National Mental Health Information Center
2.3	The school district has established linkages to local mental health agencies, including a mobile crisis team/postvention team that will support schools during the recovery phase of a crisis.	The Center for Health and Health Care in Schools
2.4	Administrators, staff, and transportation personnel are provided in-service training to teach positive social skills, healthy lifestyles, and violence prevention and fuse these topics into the curriculum. Topics might include the following: alcohol, drugs, suicide, tobacco, violence prevention, conflict resolution, character education, communication/decision making, health and wellness education, internet safety, problem solving, sexual harassment, social skills, teamwork, and other appropriate training events.	Mentally Healthy Youth and Young Adults TeachSafeSchools.Org Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network
2.5	Students have access to licensed school counselors who are implementing the Tennessee Comprehensive School Counseling Model and are empowered to make recommendations to outside social service agencies that can assist the student with his or her particular needs.	Tennessee Model for Comprehensive School Counseling American School Counselor Association
2.6	Parents, students and the community are partners with the district and school and take an active role in the collective responsibility for the safety of the schools.	National Coalition for Parent Involvement in Education National Center for Family and Community Connections with Schools National Network of Partnership Schools
2.7	Schools annually conduct climate assessments. Assessments cover topics such as the following: student discipline, gangs, violence, bullying (including cyber bullying), threats perceived by students, and other safety concerns. The results of the assessments are used to develop a plan of action.	WASSC Climate Survey The Center for the Study of School Climate Student Climate Questionnaire Cyber Bullying
2.8	Alternatives to suspension and expulsion have been built into the disciplinary policy and are appropriately and consistently used. Alternative education programs utilize best practices in the field as outlined in Tennessee’s Model for Alternative Education.	Alternative Education in Tennessee TAEA NAEA
2.9	Students have opportunities before and after school to participate in extended learning and recreational activities.	21st Century Community Learning Centers LEAPs: Lottery for Education: Afterschool Programs

Standard 3.0: Policies and Procedures

Carefully developed policies and procedures can help to reduce emergencies and compliment your existing emergency response plan (ERP). Effective policies and procedures outlining specific actions regarding day-to-day operations can help prevent, or reduce the chances of an emergency and/or crisis.

	Indicators of Success	Available Resources
3.1	The district and all schools have a written code of conduct based on stakeholder input that is revised annually, ensures safe and disciplined classrooms, avoids technical jargon, and is clearly communicated to staff, students and parents. (i.e. commonly found in the student handbook)	Example Code of Conduct
3.2	Consistent with Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-6-1016, the school district has implemented a policy prohibiting and responding to an incident of harassment, intimidation, and bullying. This policy should be included in the code of conduct.	Public Chapter 202 State Bullying Policy i-Safe Inc.
3.3	The district has a formal procedure to receive, investigate, and respond to threats, an actual incident of violence, or other misconduct by students or staff.	Example School District Policy National Threat Assessment Center
3.4	The State Board of Education’s Unsafe School Choice Policy is implemented and regularly communicated to administrators, teachers, staff and students.	Unsafe School Choice Policy
3.5	A memorandum of understanding exists when a school resource officer is assigned to a particular school building. The MOU designates the SRO’s role within the school environment and their responsibilities during an emergency. Furthermore, a MOU exists between the district and a local mental health agency.	Sample MOU #1 Sample MOU #2 Sample MOU#3 NIMS Model Mutual Aid Agreement
3.6	The district has formal procedures in place that limit access to each educational facility to authorized students, administrators and staff. Procedures include a clearly marked and centralized point for screening all visitors. Each facility also has procedures for securing the school after hours and/or when unoccupied.	Access Control Systems in School and University Buildings School Security Technologies Low-Cost Security Measures for School Facilities
3.7	Consistent with Tenn. Code Ann. §. 49-5-413 the school district has conducted criminal history/background checks of all teachers and other employees working in close proximity to school children or children in a child care program. Furthermore, history/background checks are conducted on all vendors having direct contact or access to the grounds of a school or child care center when children are present.
3.8	The district has a policy that prohibits weapons on or in any educational facility. This policy has been communicated to administrators, staff, transportation personnel, students, parents and the community. Signs are posted in each facility that indicates the existence of this policy.	Gun-Free Schools Guidance
3.9	The district has an approved Safe and Drug Free Schools plan that is based on an annual needs assessment involving all appropriate stakeholders and includes the mandated advisory council or committee. The district annually reviews and revises programs funded under SDFS based on the needs of that particular district and in coordination with school climate assessments.	Title IV - Part A. Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities Program (Tennessee Website) Safe and Drug Free Schools (Federal Website)
3.10	A certified fire marshal inspector has conducted an annual fire safety assessment of all educational facilities to ensure compliance with the guidelines set forth. Deficiencies are immediately addressed and remedied based on the inspector’s findings.	Environment, Health and Safety Online Fire Safety Education Resources
3.11	The district has developed and implemented procedures for verifying that required and planned emergency drills have been conducted at each school. Furthermore, the district has participated in functional exercises that help assess emergency readiness.	Emergency Preparedness Drills An Introduction to Exercises (Training Module) Exercise Evaluation and Improvement Planning (Training Module) Exercise Design
3.12	The district has adopted procedures for responding to reports of a firearm on campus. Procedures include the immediate notification of local law enforcement as required by Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-6-4209. Furthermore, the procedure is communicated to administrators, staff, and transportation personnel.	Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-6-4209
3.13	When the school district negotiates contracts with outside agencies, the district specifies appropriate measures to ensure the safety and general well being of students benefiting from those services (i.e. requiring an emergency response plan, training, drills, etc.).	Yellow Bus Safety Council National School Transportation Association
3.14	The district has procedures in place that designate when and who has the authority to activate the district and school-level emergency response plan (ERP).