Supporting safe, responsive, and student-centered threat assessment across Northwest Washington.
As the 2026–27 school year begins, the NWESD School Safety and Wellness Center (SSWC) is making some updates to our student threat assessment supports. While some elements of the program are evolving, our commitment remains the same: helping schools respond to safety concerns in ways that are thoughtful, proactive, student-centered, and focused on both safety and support.
We know that threat assessment can involve complex situations, difficult decisions, and a significant amount of uncertainty. Our goal is to make sure school teams have access to the tools, consultation, and resources they need to navigate that work confidently.
Here are three important updates for the coming school year.
1. Updated Salem-Keizer Cascade Level 1 Documentation
The Salem-Keizer Cascade Student Threat Assessment model has received an update, including revisions to the Level 1 documentation.
The overall structure of the model remains the same, including:
- A Level 1 assessment process
- An optional Level 2 assessment for situations requiring additional assessment
- A strong emphasis on safety management
- Proactive strategies to address student needs and reduce risk
The primary change at this time is to the documentation used during the Level 1 process.
What does this mean for schools?
ESD Threat Assessment Coordinators across Washington, including NWESD’s own Threat Assessment Coordinator, Mike Luvera, and our partners at OSPI will receive training and certification on the updated Level 1 documentation in September.
Because of this transition, the SSWC will temporarily pause new district and regional threat assessment training opportunities until that certification process is complete.
We recognize that this may be inconvenient, particularly for districts welcoming new staff members this fall. We appreciate your patience and will resume training opportunities as soon as possible following the September certification.
Most importantly: please do not delay a threat assessment because of these updates.
If your school needs to complete a threat assessment before the new documentation is available, continue using the current Level 1 protocol documents. There is no need to postpone an assessment while waiting for the updated materials.
Student safety comes first.
2. Safety Consultations Are Here to Stay
Last year, the SSWC piloted an additional service: safety consultations before and/or after a Level 1 threat assessment.
The response from schools was overwhelmingly positive, so we are pleased to announce that this service will continue indefinitely.
A consultation can be particularly helpful when a school team is asking questions such as:
- What are the most appropriate next steps?
- What immediate safety and support measures should we consider?
- Does this situation warrant a Level 2 assessment?
- Are there opportunities for intervention or support that we may be overlooking?
- How can we create a thoughtful and defensible plan for moving forward?
A consultation does not replace a Level 1 or Level 2 threat assessment. Instead, it provides an opportunity for an experienced threat assessment team to come alongside the school and help clarify the best path forward.
There is no cost, obligation, or expectation associated with this service.
Every safety concern is different. Threat assessment often involves grey areas, competing considerations, and the possibility of missed opportunities. Schools do not have to navigate that uncertainty alone.
Need a consultation?
Simply contact the SSWC Threat Assessment Team at: safetycenter@nwesd.org
We will meet with your team, review the situation, and provide perspective and guidance about possible next steps.
3. New Support for Level 2 Cooperative Members
We are also excited to introduce an additional optional service for districts participating in the NWESD Threat Assessment Level 2 Cooperative.
Moving forward, Cooperative members will have access to direct support from NWESD Educational Advocates (EAs).
Educational Advocates are trained to work alongside students and families who may experience significant barriers to success in traditional school environments. These barriers can include trauma, poverty, limited access to resources, legal or adjudication processes, and other complex circumstances.
With school permission, EAs may work with youth who have been assessed for threats of violence or who may be at risk for personal violence.
Depending on the student’s and family’s needs, an Educational Advocate may help connect them with resources such as:
- Health insurance and benefits
- Mental health services
- Basic necessities and community resources
- Educational pathways
- Career and occupational opportunities
- Other supports that may help address barriers to success
Educational Advocates do not replace school counselors, mental health professionals, social workers, or other members of a student’s support team. Rather, they provide an additional layer of support when a student or family may benefit from someone helping them navigate systems and connect with resources.
This service is also provided at no cost, obligation, or expectation to participating schools.
Educational Advocates will begin joining appropriate consultations and Level 2 assessments, creating opportunities for school teams to consider whether this additional support could benefit a student or family.
A Continued Commitment to Schools and Students
While some of our processes and services are changing, one thing is not:
You are not alone in this work.
Threat assessment is about more than determining whether a student poses a threat. It is an opportunity to understand behavior, identify concerns, address safety, connect students and families with appropriate supports, and create a plan that reduces risk while promoting student success.
The SSWC is committed to continuing to provide schools throughout our region with responsive, collaborative, and practical support as you navigate these complex situations.
As we move into the new school year, we encourage school teams to reach out when you have questions or when a situation feels unclear. You do not have to have everything figured out before you call us.
Sometimes the most helpful next step is simply having another experienced team at the table.
We are here to come alongside you because together, we can… Have a GREAT school year!
