De-escalation Training in Public Schools Passes House

OKLAHOMA CITY – Legislation that establishes de-escalation training as a form of professional development for public school educators and staff passed the House on Tuesday with a vote of 88-11.

House Bill 1027, authored by Rep. Trish Ranson, D-Stillwater, recommends the State Boards of Education and Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, in collaboration with school district superintendents, develop and offer training for school employees on violence de-escalation.

The training could include information about trauma-informed teaching, self-regulation practices for students and staff, and trauma-informed response protocols for addressing behavior with more productive approaches.

“This policy change is a proactive attempt to prepare teachers and staff to identify trauma and also know how to respond to it,” Ranson said. “We need to do more than just be aware that trauma exists. Instead, we should create best practices, informed by data, science and experience, to help guide our educators and support staff.”

The legislation is a culmination of input from many different stakeholders in public education.

“Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration data shows that two-thirds of school children experience at least one traumatic event before the age of 16,” Ranson said. “These events can cause conflict or crisis. As we move past the pandemic and return to in-person learning there will be many issues to unpack. This type of training can be a true asset to schools.”

HB1027 is now eligible to be heard in the Oklahoma Senate.

Ranson’s office can be reached at (405)557-7411 or [email protected].