How does the new BTAM report differ from previous NTAC publications?

Unlike prior NTAC reports that focused on analyzing individual incidents, the new BTAM report examines systemwide practices and processes. It surveyed more than 1,700 principals to assess how schools are implementing behavioral threat assessment programs at scale.

What is the purpose of behavioral threat assessment in schools?

Behavioral threat assessment is a preventive, intervention-focused process rather than a disciplinary tool. Its goal is to identify students exhibiting concerning behaviors early and keep them on a positive pathway before situations escalate.

What are the biggest gaps schools have in their threat assessment programs?

The report highlights that schools often lack adequate structures for addressing lower-level concerns before they escalate. Insufficient parent engagement, inconsistent staff training, and weak data collection practices are identified as major areas needing improvement.

Breaking Down the New National Behavioral T...

Breaking Down the New National Behavioral Threat Assessment Report

School Safety Today podcast, presented by Raptor Technologies. In this episode of School Safety Today, host Dr. Amy Grosso interviews guest expert Will Durgin to discuss the newly released Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management (BTAM) Report from the National Threat Assessment Center and Homeland Security. They explore how this report differs from previous NTAC…

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By theresa.sullivan · December 9, 2025, 2:00 PM UTCBtam Report 2025Dr. Amy GrossoNtac School Safety ReportPreventing School Violence

Key takeaways

The new BTAM report shifts focus from individual incidents to analyzing systemwide threat assessment practices across 1,700+ principals.

Schools must build stronger structures for addressing lower-level concerns, engaging parents, and delivering ongoing staff training.

Consistent data collection and regular review are identified as critical improvement opportunities for school safety programs.

School Safety Today podcast, presented by Raptor Technologies.

In this episode of School Safety Today, host Dr. Amy Grosso interviews guest expert Will Durgin to discuss the newly released Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management (BTAM) Report from the National Threat Assessment Center and Homeland Security. They explore how this report differs from previous NTAC publications—shifting from analyzing individual incidents to examining systemwide practices across more than 1,700 principals. The conversation emphasizes the importance of early identification of concerning behaviors, meaningful parent engagement, the necessity of consistent training, and the critical role of data collection in improving school safety practices. The episode underscores that threat assessment is not a discipline tool, but a preventive, intervention-focused process designed to keep students on a positive pathway.

KEY POINTS:

1. The new BTAM report shifts from analyzing individual incidents to examining systems and processes.

2. Schools need stronger structures for lower-level concerns, parent engagement, and ongoing training.

3. Data collection and consistent review are major improvement opportunities.

About the author

theresa.sullivan