De-escalation training for public school staff passes Common Ed

OKLAHOMA CITY – Legislation to provide de-escalation training to public school educators and staff passed the House Common Education Committee on Tuesday with a vote of 13-0.

House Bill 1027, authored by Rep. Trish Ranson, D-Stillwater, requires the State Boards of Education and Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, in collaboration with school district superintendents, to 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. 

“Violence de-escalation training offers a proactive approach for teachers to make connections with students, as well as helping staff to identify and address symptomatic behaviors of trauma,” said Ranson. “This training goes beyond trauma-aware and helps districts develop trauma-informed strategies.”

This legislation came from a series of conversations with educators, parents, and education policymakers seeking to address the needs of students suffering from childhood trauma.

“Our kids deal with a lot,” Ranson said. “Not only at school but at home as well. It is important our staff knows how to respond in a way that is most positive for everyone involved.”

HB1027 is now available to be heard on the House floor. Ranson asks Oklahomans in support of de-escalation training in public schools to contact their area legislator in support of this legislation.