Online Training Resources
The Federal Emergency Management Agency offers several free distance learning programs related to emergency management in schools.
IS-100.SCa Introduction to the Incident Command System for Schools
This training focuses on the basic operation of the Incident Command System used by emergency responders nationwide in their response to emergencies and its application for managing school emergencies. Recommended for: superintendents, school administrators, school safety directors, and other school staff assigned to leadership roles in emergency response including district and building response team members.
IS-362 Multi-Hazard Emergency Planning for Schools
This course covers emergency management operations, assessing potential hazards in schools and developing and testing a school emergency plan. It provides a useful overview for members of district and building response teams as well as all district employees.
IS-366 Planning for the Needs of Children in Disasters
This course provides guidance for emergency managers and implementers of children’s programs on meeting the unique needs of children as a result of a disaster or emergency. Recommended for student support services personnel and all school staff.
IS-700 National Incident Management System (NIMS)
This course introduces and overviews the National Incident Management System (NIMS) that provides a nationwide template enabling all government, private-sector, and nongovernment organizations to work together in emergencies. Recommended for superintendents, school administrators, school safety directors and other school leadership personnel involved in district and building emergency response teams.
The U.S. Department of Education offers a series of online courses on school emergency management. These classes are recommended for school administrators, school leadership staff, school safety directors and other school staff involved in emergency preparedness, response and recovery.
Foundation Series Courses
- The Four Phases of School Emergency Management
- Preventing and Mitigating School Emergencies
- Preparedness in School Emergency Management
- Responding to School Emergencies
- Recovering from School Emergencies
Special Topics Courses:
- Emergency Management Considerations for Students and Staff with Disabilities
- Bereavement at Schools
- Pandemic Flu Preparedness in School Emergency Management
- Developing a School Emergency Management Plan
New Mexico Tech, under contract with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, developed an online training for first responders and school personnel who may respond to bomb-related incidents in schools.
Understanding and Planning for School Bomb Incidents (UPSBI)
This course discusses the components of a school’s response plan specific to responding to a bomb incident. It includes a section on threat assessment, defines critical actions for response, and ways schools can reduce their risk.
Congress and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) established the Rural Domestic Preparedness Consortium to develop and deliver relevant all-hazards training that reflects the needs of rural emergency responders and their communities. All training delivered by the RDPC is certified by DHS and is free.
AWR 148-W Crisis Management for School-based Incidents: Partnering Rural Law Enforcement and Local School Systems
This training provides a foundation of knowledge and skills that will enable rural law enforcement and school districts to establish school-based emergency response plans.
AWR 208-W Crisis Management in a Rural School
This course is designed to introduce principles and techniques for a coordinated response between first responders and school districts.