The H.E.R.O. Program
HIDE!
Students and teachers are taught to HIDE from active shooters and barricade their classroom. In addition to building barricades, students are taught how and where to hide safely in classrooms and outdoor locations.
ESCAPE!
Students and teachers are taught to ESCAPE from violence and find a place of safety. Depending on the situation, “Lockdown” or “Shelter in Place” are not always the safest strategies during an active shooter incident.
RUN!
Students and teachers are taught to RUN away from a violent threat. While this may seem intuitive, it’s very common for people to “freeze” during active shooter incidents and other types of violent attacks. Running from violence MUST be learned, discussed and practiced. There are ways of running that are more effective than others, particularly when it comes to active shooter threats!
OVERCOME!
Students and teachers are taught to OVERCOME an active shooter by creating an environment of resistance, chaos, and disruption. Educators have long feared teaching their students to “fight” will lead to violence on campus. This is a valid concern, and one that is carefully addressed in the curriculum. Students are taught to defend themselves based on their developmental level and ONLY as a LAST RESORT.
Types Of Programs
Public Schools
Private Schools
After School
English Language Arts (ELA) standards and critical thinking concepts are incorporated throughout the H.E.R.O. Program, limiting impact on instructional hours. Lessons can be easily adapted to accommodate cultural differences within large districts. K-12 lessons available.
Our private school curriculum mirrors the standards of the public school curriculum, while taking into account the sensitivity of your specific school family and their beliefs, practices, and priorities. K-12 lessons available.
The H.E.R.O. After School Program is designed to teach 21st century learning concepts in a simple, condensed and interactive format. The program is equally effective for religious institutions and community groups. K-8 activity plans available.
The vital leadership role that is required of teachers is all the more critical during a violent intruder situation. But, because danger is not contained to classrooms, the H.E.R.O. program includes tools for school-family connection. Both the school and the family will learn empowerment strategies that will keep them safe in school and beyond.
Public Schools
Common Core standards and 21st century critical thinking concepts are incorporated in a multidisciplinary / cross-curricular design, making the curriculum adaptable for any classroom environment.
Private Schools
Our private school curriculum mirrors the standards of the public-school curriculum, while taking into account the sensitivity of your specific school family and their beliefs, practices, and priorities.
After School
The H.E.R.O. after-school program is specifically designed to teach students in a more simple, condensed, and interactive format. The after-school program is equally effective for religious institutions and community groups.
The H.E.R.O. Program Consists of the Following
Curriculum
K-12 lessons teach students how to prevent and survive active shooter incidents and other types of violent threats. The H.E.R.O. curriculum incorporates critical thinking concepts built upon Empowerment Theory. Lesson plans are adaptable, problem-based, and parent-teacher vetted. They are interactive and taught in a non-threatening manner. All lessons meet English Language Arts standards.
H.E.R.O. School: Path to EmPOWerment! interactive read aloud
5 lesson plans designed to last 30-45 minutes
H.E.R.O. School: Heart of Courage original short story
5 lesson plans designed to last 30-45 minutes
My H.E.R.O. Story original narrative
5 lesson plans designed to last 30-45 minutes, including collaborative table-top exercises with violence prevention and reporting strategies
Student-led discussions based on interactive scenarios
5 lesson plans designed to last 30-45 minutes, including collaborative table-top exercises with violence prevention and reporting strategies
Learning Portal
Schools will receive unrestricted access to the Safe Kids Learning Portal, which includes our age-specific, comprehensive curriculum, in addition to the following components:
Professional Development:
Our facilitated active shooter video training course utilizes the following concepts:
- Evidence-based adult learning concepts
- Documentary format provides foundational understanding of a sensitive topic through familiar means
- Demonstrations of lessons taught to real students by real educators
- Demonstration of H.E.R.O. concepts by students of varying age groups
- Includes facilitator’s guide and accompanying collaborative exercises
- Approximately 2 hours in length, the course can be taught during a scheduled professional development day
- Chosen facilitator can be an administrator or public safety official
- Premium H.E.R.O. Expert professional development sessions are available on a limited basis
Lesson Plans:
- Age-appropriate and teacher led
- 5 lesson plans for each grade group
- Approximately 45 minutes in length each
- Designed to reinforce active shooter survivability concepts learned in the professional development course
- Narrative and scenarios provide context through storytelling
- Incorporated activities teach H.E.R.O. concepts in a safe, controlled environment
- Rubrics demonstrate performance of learned skills
- Journaling and discussion activities designed to address student emotions
- Parent and community connection applies active shooter survivability concepts outside of the school environment
Student Accessibility Guide:
- Provides active shooter learning strategies for multiple types of disabilities
- Used in conjunction with the lesson plans for modifications
- Designed by school psychologists and special education experts
- Provides equity and access for all students
Drill & Scenario Guide:
- Age-appropriate and administrator led
- Meets and exceeds active shooter training mandates in every state
- Comprehensive planning guide for safe and effective active shooter drills
- Includes appropriate messaging for parents, communities, and law enforcement
- Reinforces learned concepts through appropriately-framed application
- Scenarios are based on past incidents and take into account the most frequent types of active shooter incidents
- Includes scenarios that challenge traditional response and incident command structure
- Carefully scripted to avoid psychological or physical injuries
“The H.E.R.O. Program has been instrumental in helping our teachers conceptualize how to keep students and classrooms safe. H.E.R.O. stands to keep our children free from violence in and outside of schools. Our school is proud to stand with them to make learning safe and exceptional for all.”
