On March 28, Osceola County teachers received specialized training to prepare for an active shooter. The training is in wake of the Parkland high school shooting and new cries for stronger gun-control and security on campus. Recently, many Osceola County campus’ have had their own threats. The district is now allowing teachers to take three new steps: avoid, deny, and defend. This would allow teachers and students to run from a shooter, barricade the classroom, and defend themselves from a threat.

Apryl Taylor, social studies teacher at the Osceola County School for the Arts, has discussed the new policies implemented with her class. She believes the meeting was, “a necessary step towards teachers feeling prepared for an upcoming crisis and there is still a lot of work to be done.” Ms. Taylor has been advocating for stronger school safety since the Parkland shooting and has rehearsed her emergency plan with her classes several times.

In the coming weeks, students and teachers can expect changes in school security.