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Release of Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) K-12 School Security Guide Suite

  • 1.  Release of Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) K-12 School Security Guide Suite

    Posted 02-24-2022 07:26:00 AM

    The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) School Safety Task Force has released a new K-12 School Security Guide Suite, a set of products designed to inform safety and physical security planning for the range of kindergarten through grade 12 (K-12) schools across the United States.

     

    Developed in partnership with the RAND Corporation, the K-12 School Security Guide Suite is comprised of the CISA K-12 School Security Guide (3rd Edition) and accompanying School Security Assessment Tool (SSAT). The Guide and SSAT provide a comprehensive doctrine and methodology to assist schools in conducting more robust vulnerability assessments and implementing layered physical security elements across K–12 districts and campuses. Both products are available on CISA.gov and are designed to support school communities in strengthening their protection and mitigation capabilities against the range of targeted violence and crime-related threats they might face.

     

    Specifically, the K-12 School Security Guide Suite includes:

     

    • CISA K-12 School Security Guide, 3rd Ed. – The 3rd Edition of the K-12 School Security Guide is designed to help education agencies across the United States adopt a systems-based approach to the planning and implementation of layered physical security in schools. Additionally, the Guide demonstrates how taking a systems-based approach to layered physical security can help schools create safe and secure learning environments without asking staff members to become security experts.

     

    • CISA School Security Assessment Tool (SSAT) – The K-12 School Security Assessment Tool (SSAT) was developed to help schools create safe and secure learning environments. The SSAT incorporates school context and applies the systems-based approach described in the 3rd edition of CISA's K-12 School Security Guide, to improve a school's physical security. The SSAT and 3rd Edition of the Guide build on the prior second editions of both documents.

     

    • CISA School Security Assessment Tool (SSAT) User Guide – The User Guide is intended to help users of the K-12 School Security Assessment Tool (SSAT) understand the purpose of the tool, how to use the tool, and how to interpret assessment results. It serves as a 101-introduction to the SSAT.

     

    • CISA School Security Assessment Tool (SSAT) Technical Appendix – The Technical Appendix is intended to provide users of the K-12 School Security Assessment Tool (SSAT) with a detailed understanding of the creation, operation, and functionality of the SSAT.

    To access the Guide and SSAT, visit https://www.cisa.gov/k-12-school-security-guide.



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    Adam Lustig
    Director, Center for Safe Schools
    National School Boards Association
    Alexandria, VA
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