This study evaluated the use of behavioral threat assessment (BTA) training in Texas schools.
WestEd and the Texas School Safety Center conducted a mixed-methods evaluation research study of a state-mandated Texas-wide model of behavioral threat assessment (BTA) training in high schools. The findings illustrate some of the challenges that school and district staff face in the course of establishing a BTA program. Common barriers to full implementation of the model include limited staff availability for meetings, lack of infrastructure to support effective data tracking systems and protocols, and a shortage of school and community resources for students whom the BTA process identifies as requiring extra support. The findings from this study also identified school and community resources that support the BTA process, including multidisciplinary collaboration, positive school culture and relationships, and effective communication practices. Findings indicate that implementation of BTA continues to vary widely from school to school and is evolving over time. Implementation of BTA processes are changing as schools acquire more experience with the model. The intervention of interest is a school-based BTA training model. The study involved a process evaluation that includes document review, training observations, and a series of surveys and focus groups with training participants. The quasi-experimental outcome study compared outcomes between schools that self-reported a high level of training adherence with a statistically matched comparison group of schools with a self-reported low adherence to the training model using administrative data related to disciplinary incidents. Finally, the study included a multi-site case study to document local implementation experiences within schools with higher implementation adherence. The purpose of this study was to improve school safety conditions through an effective prevention strategy. The ultimate goal was to increase the body of rigorous evidence on the use of behavioral threat assessment (BTA) in schools and to better understand the implementation processes that facilitate success.