Recently released federal data shows that U.S. schools have significantly raised security measures in recent years.
About two-thirds of public schools now control access to school grounds—not just the building—up from about half in the 2017-18 school year. Some 43% of schools have a “panic button” or silent alarm that connects directly with police in case of emergency, up from 29% five years ago.
A strong majority, 78%, outfit classrooms with locks, up from 65% a few years ago. Random metal detector use was reported in 9% of schools, with 6% using this equipment daily. Many schools have campus police, but just 3% arm teachers or other non-security employees.
Last year, more than 330 people were fatally shot or wounded on school grounds, up from 218 in 2018, according to the K-12 School Shooting Database, a research project that tracks incidents of a gun being fired or brandished on school property.
Related Stories
Giants 400 | Dec 3, 2020
2020 K-12 School Sector Giants: Top architecture, engineering, and construction firms in the U.S. K-12 school facilities sector
AECOM, Gilbane, and PBK head BD+C's rankings of the nation's largest K-12 school facilities sector architecture, engineering, and construction firms, as reported in the 2020 Giants 400 Report.
AEC Tech | Nov 12, 2020
The Weekly show: Nvidia's Omniverse, AI for construction scheduling, COVID-19 signage
BD+C editors speak with experts from ALICE Technologies, Build Group, Hastings Architecture, Nvidia, and Woods Bagot on the November 12 episode of "The Weekly." The episode is available for viewing on demand.
K-12 Schools | Oct 23, 2020
K-12 sector adjusting to ‘new priorities’
Health and safety now rank with security for design and construction criteria.
Coronavirus | Oct 8, 2020
The Weekly show: Statue of Liberty Museum, emotional learning in K-12, LA's climate change vulnerability
The October 8 episode of BD+C's "The Weekly" is available for viewing on demand.
Coronavirus | Sep 1, 2020
6 must reads for the AEC industry today: September 1, 2020
Co-working developers pivot to survive the pandemic, and the rise of inquiry-based learning in K-12 communities.
K-12 Schools | Sep 1, 2020
The rise of inquiry-based learning in K-12 communities
Inquiry-based education offers a methodology that does not rely solely on the educator being the lead in all learning.
Giants 400 | Aug 28, 2020
2020 Giants 400 Report: Ranking the nation's largest architecture, engineering, and construction firms
The 2020 Giants 400 Report features more than 130 rankings across 25 building sectors and specialty categories.
K-12 Schools | Aug 6, 2020
HMC releases COVID-19 Campus Reboot Guide for PreK-12 schools
Ongoing research effort includes whitepaper series that outlines resiliency solutions for healthcare, civic and education markets.
Coronavirus | Jun 19, 2020
Experts address COVID-19's impact on nursing homes and schools on The Weekly
The June 18 episode of BD+C's "The Weekly" is available for viewing on demand.
Coronavirus | Mar 30, 2020
Learning from covid-19: Campuses are poised to help students be happier
Overcoming isolation isn’t just about the technological face to face, it is about finding meaningful connection and “togetherness”.
