Discussion Based Table Top Exercises
Maryland schools conduct drills with students and school staff during the school year to practice various emergency procedures. Drills are most effective when the procedure has been tested first by school staff to make sure the steps are clear and keep people safe. It is better to talk it through, before you walk it through.
Tabletops are one type of discussion-based exercise that school staff can use to talk it through. These exercises allow team members to discuss their roles and responses for various types of emergencies. Focused tabletops can often be completed in a few minutes and help reinforce participants' understanding of emergency procedures.
Simulated emergency scenarios require staff to draw upon their knowledge and experience to determine the best course of action. Engaging in tabletop discussions and drills regularly builds muscle memory increasing the likelihood school staff respond to an emergency situation in a way that minimizes harm and maximizes a quick recovery.
Download the Exercise Self-Evaluation Form to Document Next Steps - PDF - 287.06 KB
School Teams Consider "Are We Ready?"
The Process
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PREPARE to facilitate the exercise
- Download a MCSS tabletop exercise
- Review and edit the scenario and questions to customize it for your school
- Identify pertinent staff to include in your discussion
NOTE: It may be helpful to include local first responders or central office staff in some discussions.
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DISCUSS steps in response to the scenario
- Discuss roles and responsibilities of team members building in redundancies
- Identify strengths and needed changes to procedures
- Consider and plan for new learning that needs to occur
Submit your feedback
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