In the fast-paced environment of K–12 education, finding time for meaningful professional learning can be a challenge, especially when it comes to complex, high-stakes work like threat assessment. That’s why the NWESD 189 School Safety and Wellness Center created TAPS 10: a growing video series designed to deliver focused, actionable guidance in 10 minutes or less. [View TAPS 10 Videos on YouTube]
TAPS 10 (Threat Assessment Process Series) breaks down the essential components of effective school threat assessment into short, accessible segments that teams can actually use. Whether you’re a building administrator, counselor, school safety lead, or part of a multidisciplinary threat assessment team, these videos are built to offer practical insights without overwhelming your schedule.
A Timely Reminder for Spring
As schools move into the spring months, many districts experience a noticeable increase in concerning and threatening behaviors. This time of year can bring added stressors for students (academic pressure, social dynamics, transitions, and fatigue) which can sometimes manifest in ways that require careful assessment and response.
This makes preparation and clarity more important than ever. School leaders and threat assessment teams should feel confident not only in what a threat assessment is, but when it is necessary and how to conduct one effectively. Having a shared understanding and consistent process in place ensures that teams can respond promptly, appropriately, and with the right level of intervention.
What You’ll Find in TAPS 10
The series currently includes 10 concise videos, each highlighting a key element of the school threat assessment process. Grounded in the Salem-Keizer Cascade model, the content focuses on real-world application – helping teams move beyond theory and into consistent, confident practice.
Topics are designed to support:
- Understanding the structure and purpose of threat assessment teams
- Clarifying roles and responsibilities
- Recognizing and responding to concerning behaviors
- Knowing when a situation rises to the level of a threat assessment
- Strengthening documentation and decision-making practices
- Building consistency across schools and districts
Each video stands on its own, making it easy to use for quick refreshers, team discussions, or just-in-time learning when situations arise.
The latest edition was just released – TAPS 10: 101.08 – Leakage
Check it out now.
Built for Real-World Use
Time is one of the biggest barriers to effective threat assessment. TAPS 10 addresses this by delivering short, high-impact videos that fit into busy school days—perfect for staff meetings, onboarding, ongoing training, or quick individual refreshers. Their brevity makes it easy for teams to build knowledge and confidence over time.
A Growing Resource
With 10 videos available and more on the way, TAPS 10 continues to expand to meet the evolving needs of schools and districts.
Let us know if there is an area of student threat assessment that you would like to see covered in a future video!
Thank you for your continued partnership in keeping our schools and communities safe!
