Beyond Locks - Protecting the Classroom

Because of the increased number and deadliness of school shootings in recent years, everybody seems to want to have a say on how to best protect students in the classroom. Most suggestions have been made with good intent, but many have shown a single-minded, not comprehensive approach. The result is that many suggestions would lead to more risks to the students rather than less.

"The reasoning behind proposed changes is often based on the misconception that barricading the door is the only way to protect students and teachers in the classroom. There are code-compliant locks readily available from many lock manufacturers that provide the needed security without compromising safety in favor of lower cost. While locks address one aspect of classroom security requirements, there are other factors to consider, such as the door, frame, glass, key distribution, communication, and lockdown procedures."

From the Partner Alliance for Safer Schools