Training Solutions for Effective and Accurate Implementation of the Salem-Keizer Cascade Model of Behavioral Threat Assessment & Management
The only Behavioral Threat Assessment & Management (BTAM) model developed by an experienced school psychologist, the Salem-Keizer Cascade Model focuses on helping schools build a sustainable system that includes school site teams and community-based collaboration.
Multi-disciplinary teams and training are critical components of a successful program. Exclusively through PCG, schools can access online training courses developed in partnership with John Van Dreal, author of the Salem-Keizer Cascade Model.
Our Salem-Keizer Cascade BTAM training courses are for BTAM team members, including:
- School administrators
- School psychology professionals
- Special education coordinators
- School resource officers or law enforcement
- Practitioners from community mental health services
- Representatives from juvenile services and law enforcement
- Other community agencies
Salem-Keizer Cascade BTAM 101
Level 1, Part 1 of the program provides learners with an overview of BTAM in schools and an understanding of the Salem-Keizer Cascade Model.
Duration
4 hours
Type
Asynchronous
Learning Objectives
- Describe the role of BTAM as a means of preventing violence to self and others
- List the warning signs of a student who may be headed down a path of violence
- Describe the key components of the Salem-Keizer Cascade Model
- Name the steps and developmental procedures necessary to implement the Level 1 Protocol and the basics of threat assessment
- Apply case information to the Level 1 Protocol form
Course Objective
Upon completion, the learner will be prepared for Level 1, Part 2, which builds upon the knowledge gained in this course.
Salem-Keizer Cascade BTAM 102
Level 1, Part 2 of the program provides learners with greater understanding of the Level 1 Protocol forms. Additionally, learners will understand how to build a site-level BTAM team and know the importance of confidentiality as it relates to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).
Duration
4 hours
Type
Asynchronous
Learning Objectives
- Identify the auxiliary forms that support the Level 1 Protocol
- Address confidentiality requirements and laws related to BTAM
- Summarize the threat assessment flowchart
- Apply case information to the Level 1 Protocol forms
Course Objective
Upon completion, the learner will be able to use the site-based Level 1 Student Threat Assessment Protocol.
Salem-Keizer Cascade BTAM 201
Level 2 of the program provides learners with an understanding of a multi-disciplinary, multi-agency, and community-based BTAM and management system (also called Level 2).
Duration
4 hours
Type
Asynchronous
Learning Objectives
- Describe the role and composition of the community-based Level 2 threat assessment system
- List the local and regional resources as well as the available youth-serving agency support for a Level 2 team
- Discuss the process for referral to a community-based Level 2 threat assessment support team
- Problem-solve the implementation challenges of the Level 2 team within a school district
- Apply knowledge through case study exercises
Course Objective
Upon completion, the learner will be able to develop a sustainable, community-based Level 2 threat assessment support team in their district.
About Our Partner, John Van Dreal
![John Van Dreal](/media/3591/jvd_headshot.jpg?width=200&height=200")
John Van Dreal is a school psychologist and the retired director of security, safety, and risk management for the Salem-Keizer School District. He has more than 30 years of experience in preventive behavioral threat assessment and management, psycho-educational evaluation, crisis intervention, behavioral intervention, and security and risk management systems consultation. He is recognized internationally as an expert in threat assessment and a pioneer of multi-disciplinary threat assessment.
In 1999, John began the development and implementation of the Salem-Keizer Cascade Model, a multi-agency student violence prevention and behavioral threat assessment system that is considered by experts to be a leading practice and is identified by the U.S. Department of Education and the What Works Clearinghouse as a best-practice program. In addition to behavioral threat assessment, the collaborative, multi-disciplinary model is now a comprehensive preventive assessment and safety planning system that includes suicide risk assessment and prevention, fire misbehavior assessment, and problematic sexual behavior assessment and management. Through that collaboration, he has worked daily with educators, law enforcement, human resources, trial court personnel, juvenile justice, and mental health professionals in the assessment and management of youth and adult threats of aggression within schools, higher education, public and private institutions, and the community.
John has also served as a member of the Marion County Threat Advisory Team since 1999. He is the editor and principal author of the book, Assessing Student Threats: Implementing the Salem-Keizer System, Second Edition, and has co-authored a number of threat assessment and school security projects, including legislative proposals from the Oregon Governor’s Task Force on School Safety.
Please visit the John Van Dreal Consulting website, John Van Dreal Consulting, to read John's full bio and learn more about his experience, background, and available services.