NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — State lawmakers are looking for new ways to make schools even safer for your children.
Today, the Senate will vote on a bill to require de-escalation training for school staff.
Senator Joey Hensley of Hohenwald sponsored this bill. He says one way to prevent putting children in harms way is through de-escalation training.
The training would include verbal and non-verbal techniques to resolve conflict. It would be required annually for teachers, administrators, and other school personnel in all public-school districts and public charter schools.
Hensley says not only will this make schools safer, but he says it can also serve as a model for students.
"Over 4 in 10 school shootings in Tennessee result from dispute escalations. Less than half occur inside school buildings...this bill would increase safety for our state's children and educators, reduces the likelihood of shootings, death and serious injury."
Hensley says this training would help in all types of scenarios, whether it's a worst-case incident involving a gun or just a fight. This is up for a vote in the full Senate today.
It's still making its way through committees in the House.
I'm so thankful Robb Coles highlighted the Kamer Davis clinic in Hermitage and the hardship that may force its closure. The clinic provides care for patients with intellectual and developmental disabilities and there is no other place like it nearby. You can tell the staff is so passionate about the care they provide. I hope by shining the light on this, the right person can step in and make a difference.
- Carrie Sharp
