An Educator’s Guide to Assessing Threats in Student Writing

by Brian Van Brunt, W. Scott Lewis, Jeffrey H. Solomon

Based on research from the threat-assessment community, this important resource addresses the challenge of assessing concerning online communication, written narratives, and artistic works at schools, colleges, and universities. Drawing from the collective fields of law enforcement, law, and psychology, the authors expand on evidence-based practices to help student affairs staff and K-12 educators best assess the validity of these communications and develop intervention and management plans. Concepts are supported through numerous examples of social media posts, written fiction work, emails and examples from past attacks, as well as averted plans. Appropriate for the classroom, Behavioral Intervention Teams, frontline teaching staff and administrators, this new resource will ensure an evidence-based approach to early assessment and intervention.

298 pages, Hardcover

Published October 27, 2020

About the author

Brian Van Brunt has worked in the counseling field for more than 20 years, and specializes in educational counseling, behavioral intervention and support, and issues related to mental health and alcohol/substance abuse by students. He is also a prolific writer, having authored numerous books, book chapters, and articles. He has additionally produced various assessment instruments, video training materials, and is a blogger and photographer during his spare time.