SCHOOL CRISIS PREP – what to do first? Use a Prioritization Matrix – Full Analytical Criteria Method
Administrators are bound to have generated a hefty “to do” list following a comprehensive assessment of school safety needs. So, where does one begin when addressing school safety concerns? The process can be efficiently addressed through a prioritization matrix. The following steps will allow for stakeholder input and produce an objective, clear hierarchy of needs. Give it a try!
Prioritization matrix: Full Analytical Criteria Method
- Conduct individually to give everyone a voice in what happens
- Begin with the school day, then progress to after-school events and weekends
- This will be local culturally-influenced – in this example, the school district and community place a premium on school connectedness practices.
GOAL
Rank the priority hierarchy of school crisis preparedness activities (compare y axis to x axis)
| CRITERIA (compare vertical to horizontal axis) |
A. Building walk-throughs with first responders
B. Update classroom crisis flipcharts
C. Update visitor check-in process
D. Produce safety newsletter for parents
E. Conduct lock down drills
F. Check all entrances and internal door locks
G. Film PSAs for school culture
H. Implement a school safety reporting system
Weighting
1 = equally important
5 = more important
10 = much more important
.5 = less important
.2 = much less important
| A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | TOTAL | RANK | |
| A |
X |
1 |
5 |
10 |
5 |
1 |
5 |
5 |
32 |
2 |
| B |
1 |
X |
.5 |
10 |
1 |
5 |
10 |
1 |
28.5 |
4 |
| C |
1 |
1 |
X |
10 |
1 |
5 |
10 |
1 |
29 |
3 |
| D |
.2 |
.2 |
.2 |
X |
.2 |
.2 |
5 |
.2 |
6.2 |
8 |
| E |
1 |
1 |
.5 |
10 |
X |
1 |
10 |
1 |
24.5 |
5 |
| F |
1 |
.5 |
.5 |
10 |
.5 |
X |
10 |
1 |
23.5 |
6 |
| G |
.5 |
.2 |
.2 |
10 |
.2 |
.2 |
X |
.2 |
6.5 |
7 |
| H |
.5 |
1 |
1 |
10 |
1 |
5 |
10 |
X |
33 |
1 |
Red number = ranking update visitor check-in process versus update classroom flipcharts. The respondent indicated that both were of equal importance and therefore put a “1” in the box.
Blue number = ranking implement a school safety reporting system versus produce safety newsletter for parents. The respondent indicated that it was much more important to implement a school safety reporting system and therefore put a “10” in the box.
Per the matrix, your top 3 priorities are:
- Implement a school safety reporting system
- Conduct building walk-throughs with first responders
- Update visitor check-in process
When will there be time to address these prioritized items?
- By decreasing time spent on discipline through PBIS and Restorative Practices by 15 minutes per day liberates 45 hours during a 9-month school year.
