Date of Award

2011

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Education (EdD)

Department

Education

First Advisor

Betty Standifer

Second Advisor

Gary Peevely

Third Advisor

Chris Henderson

Abstract

The purpose of the study is to consider the perspective of emergency management professionals regarding need for a radiological response plan and its implications to school resiliency. This study utilizes a three-round, Modified Delphi Method to provide structure for the group process, elicit experts’ opinions, and build consensus regarding radiological response and school resiliency. The experts’ opinions are analyzed at the conclusion of each round and synthesized to create considerations for school systems for a school-system-based radiological-specific response plan. The recommendations align existing school system’s capabilities, roles and responsibilities with required emergency response actions necessary to protect the health and safety of faculty, staff, and students during a disaster such as the release of radioactive substances. Emergent themes surfacing during this study include: (1) training, (2) all-hazard planning, (3) communication, (4) collaboration, (5) medical response, and (6) protective actions. The results and recommendations from this study have generalizability for future practice and implementation of emergency management in a school setting, business and industry and for other local, state federal and tribal organizations. The major finding from this study indicates that an all-hazards plan is sufficient for response to a radiological-specific emergency event.

Keywords

Health and environmental sciences, Emergency management, Safety measures, School resiliency

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