What is the CSTAG Threat Assessment Model?

The CSTAG (Comprehensive School Threat Assessment Guidelines) is a well-researched, evidence-based model designed to help schools respond to student threats in a way that reduces risk and ensures the safety of all students and staff. The CSTAG model focuses on assessing the seriousness of threats and developing interventions that address the underlying issues, without resorting to harsh disciplinary actions unless necessary.

Why Use CSTAG in Schools?

In today’s school environments, safety is a top priority. When students make threats—whether seriously intended or not—it can create anxiety and fear in the school community. The CSTAG model was developed to ensure that these situations are handled thoughtfully and effectively, without overreacting to minor situations or underestimating real dangers. CSTAG has been proven to:

1. Reduce the likelihood of violent incidents: By evaluating threats carefully, CSTAG can prevent serious incidents before they happen.

2. Identify students in need of support: The process helps uncover underlying causes such as bullying, mental health issues, or stress that might lead a student to make a threat.

3. Minimize exclusionary discipline: Rather than relying solely on suspensions or expulsions, CSTAG encourages solutions that keep students in school with appropriate interventions.

4. Foster a safer, more supportive school environment: The model creates a balance between ensuring safety and supporting student growth, preventing students from being labeled as "dangerous" without proper assessment.

CSTAG at Clermont Northeastern Schools

At Clermont Northeastern, we have made an exceptional commitment to ensuring our staff are fully trained to handle student threats effectively and safely.

• In 2022, multiple staff members were trained in CSTAG to ensure our district was prepared to assess and mitigate threats effectively.

• In 2024, we took this a step further by training nine staff members as formal CSTAG coaches, giving our school district the highest level of capacity in the state of Ohio to both train others and implement CSTAG strategies district-wide. This leadership in CSTAG training and implementation reflects our deep commitment to the safety and well-being of our students.

This robust level of training allows our district to respond rapidly and thoughtfully to potential threats, keeping our school community safe while providing the support students need.

How Does CSTAG Work?

The CSTAG process follows five key steps, which help school staff make informed decisions about how to handle student threats:

1. Identify the threat: This can be a verbal, written, or behavioral indication that a student might pose harm.

2. Evaluate the seriousness: School staff assess whether the threat is transient (temporary and not serious) or substantive (serious and requires action).

3. Intervene: Depending on the level of risk, the school will take steps to support the student, such as involving counselors, notifying parents, or collaborating with local authorities.

4. Resolve: If the threat is resolved through intervention and deemed not serious, the student is monitored and supported to ensure no further issues arise.

5. Follow-up: Ongoing monitoring and support are provided to ensure the student stays on track, and the safety of the school community is maintained.

How Effective is CSTAG?

The CSTAG model has been thoroughly researched, showing that schools using it have experienced:

• Fewer disciplinary incidents: Schools report fewer suspensions and expulsions since implementing CSTAG.

• More early interventions: CSTAG helps school staff intervene early before a situation escalates.

• Improved student outcomes: Students who go through the CSTAG process are more likely to stay in school and receive mental health or behavioral support, improving their long-term success.

• Increased sense of safety: Both staff and students report feeling safer in schools where the CSTAG model is used.

What Should Parents Know?

Parents play an important role in school safety and in supporting the well-being of their children. Here’s how you can engage with the CSTAG process:

• Communicate openly: If your child has expressed concerns or has been involved in a threatening situation, reach out to the school.

• Stay informed: Ask your school about the threat assessment process and how it works to keep your child safe.

• Support interventions: If your child is part of an intervention plan, support the school’s efforts to address any underlying issues, whether they are behavioral, emotional, or academic.

Discipline VS Threat Assessment:

In schools, it's essential to clearly separate discipline from threat assessment. Here's how they differ and interact:

• Discipline:

  • Addresses violations of school policies or disruptive behaviors.

  • Focuses on corrective actions like detention, suspension, or other consequences.

  • Ensures that unacceptable behaviors are handled appropriately, regardless of threat assessment outcomes.

• Threat Assessment (CSTAG):

  • A structured process used to evaluate the seriousness of a student's threat to harm themselves or others.

  • Prioritizes determining the level of risk and implementing safety measures and support, not punishment.

• Key Points on the Relationship Between Discipline and Threat Assessment:

  • Disciplinary actions may be used during the investigation to ensure it is completed thoroughly and thoughtfully.

  • Discipline is a separate outcome from the threat assessment process.

  • Even if a threat is not serious, the behavior is still unacceptable and will be addressed based on the severity of the event.

By separating these processes, schools can focus on both safety and appropriate behavioral responses, ensuring that threats are handled with care while maintaining a secure learning environment.