Built on extensive practitioner feedback and expert review, the 2025 Edition delivers a sharper, more intuitive version of the model—one that’s easier to navigate, easier to understand, and better aligned with today’s school safety needs. Its new name, SK Cascade, simplifies what educators call it while preserving the history and community partnerships that have strengthened the model from its Salem‑Keizer origins through the broader Cascade region.

What’s New?

• Revised Language – wording has been revised to reflect current threat assessment and management terminology, adapted for education professionals
• Reconfigured Level 1 Protocol (school site-based assessment and intervention) organized into four streamlined sections:
  • Fact-finding and triage at the front end, including clear guidance for special education and 504-involved students, and criteria for advancing or dismissing cases
  • Short Form Assessment (Questions 1–12) addressing NTAC questions and key risk factors, with analysis to determine whether a case may proceed to basic intervention or requires further assessment
  • Extended Form Assessment (Questions 13–20) for complex or potentially dangerous situations, confirming protective factors and gathering information critical to intervention success
  • Citations and references identifying the research supporting each question
• Updated intervention, management, and support plan menu, with clearer inclusion of restorative practices, trauma-informed approaches, and community-based supports
• Revised ancillary documents, including teacher/staff questionnaires, parent interviews, student interviews, and witness interviews
• Aligned Level 2 (community-based) investigation form, cross-referenced with Level 1 Protocol questions to support continuity and clarity
• Updated flow charts and guidance documents to support implementation and decision-making

Over the past year, principal architect John Van Dreal and his colleagues at JVD Consulting and Public Consulting Group (PCG) have led a focused effort to refine and modernize the system’s protocols and processes. Their work strengthens the clarity, consistency, and overall effectiveness of the SK Cascade Model, ensuring it remains a trusted, forward‑looking framework for schools and communities.

Discover the complete set of updates and resources designed to elevate your threat assessment and management practices.