August 20, 2007—School leaders who want to see how their schools’ safety plans compare with a national average can take a short online survey using CDW-G’s School Safety Index Self-Assessment Tool, a new feature that accompanies the firm’s School Safety Index, which it initially published in June.
This newest tool rates schools and districts according to 10 safety strengths and four weaknesses. Cyber and physical security strengths include data monitoring, user authentication, building access, and communication with local authorities. Weaknesses include IT and physical breaches or barriers.
CDW-G’s School Safety Index is based on a May survey of 381 school district IT and security directors along 14 elements of physical and cyber safety (see story: http://www.eschoolnews.com/news/
showStory.cfm?ArticleID=7253). It highlights the indicators of strong school district safety programs, as well as the barriers to school safety.
The self-assessment tool uses the same questions that school districts answered in the May survey, to ensure uniform results.
Key findings from the May report revealed that schools should educate their students more about physical and cyber dangers; tech-savvy students are sidestepping school district IT security procedures; and budget concerns often limit districts’ ability to protect themselves.
The security assessment tool gives schools a benchmark they can use in comparing their safety plans and degree of preparedness with other schools or districts across the country. Schools already have started to take the assessment, and CDW-G said that as more schools participate, the national safety average will be adjusted to reflect the growing number of respondents.
“We want the index to spark discussion in the community and encourage everyone—students, parents, and educators—to play an active role in strengthening the safety and security of our schools,” said Bob Kirby, senior director of K-12 education for CDW-G.
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