Schools with digital surveillance and AI find security still takes a human touch

Apnews - Apr 9th, 2025
Open on Apnews

Four years after a shooting incident at a middle school in Rigby, Idaho, the district has implemented a multifaceted approach to enhance school safety and student well-being. Key initiatives include the formation of student-led Hope Squads, the involvement of volunteer parents through Dads on Duty, and an increased focus on human interaction. These efforts have fostered a supportive environment, helping students combat depression and isolation. Alongside these human-centered strategies, technology like the STOPit app is used to anonymously report threats, though the emphasis remains on building a nurturing school culture.

The story of Rigby reflects a broader national debate on school safety. While some districts invest heavily in digital surveillance, concerns over privacy and effectiveness remain. Experts advocate for a balanced strategy combining technology with human-led interventions. The Comprehensive School Threat Assessment Guidelines (CSTAG) model, used by many districts, emphasizes early intervention and support over punitive measures. However, the approach is not without criticism, particularly regarding transparency and equity. As schools navigate these challenges, Rigby's focus on human connection offers a compelling case study in reimagining school safety.

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

7.8
Fair Story
Consider it well-founded

The article provides a comprehensive overview of the strategies implemented by Rigby, Idaho, schools in response to a past shooting incident. It effectively balances the discussion of human-led initiatives and technology, although it leans slightly towards favoring the former. The use of credible sources and clear language enhances the article's reliability and readability. However, more detailed exploration of the effectiveness of the initiatives and the controversies surrounding digital surveillance could strengthen the piece. Overall, the article successfully addresses an issue of high public interest and timeliness, with the potential to influence discussions on school safety strategies.

RATING DETAILS

8
Accuracy

The article provides a detailed account of the measures taken by Rigby, Idaho, schools following a shooting incident. The story accurately reports the shooting incident and the subsequent initiatives such as Hope Squads, Dads on Duty, and threat assessment teams. The factual claims regarding the use of technology like the STOPit app and surveillance software are consistent with the reported practices in many schools. However, the effectiveness of these programs and the specific outcomes attributed to them, such as the measurable positive results, require further verification. Additionally, the article mentions the CSTAG model and its application, which aligns with known practices, but the specific impact on Rigby schools isn't detailed, needing more evidence to confirm these claims.

7
Balance

The article presents multiple perspectives on school safety strategies, balancing the use of technology with human-led initiatives. It includes viewpoints from school officials, experts, and students, providing a comprehensive look at the different approaches. However, the article leans towards favoring human interaction over digital surveillance without deeply exploring the benefits or successes of technology-based methods. The potential drawbacks of threat assessment teams, such as privacy concerns and discrimination, are mentioned but not explored in depth, which could have provided a more balanced view.

9
Clarity

The article is well-structured and written in clear, accessible language. It logically progresses from the incident that prompted the changes to the specific strategies implemented by the schools. Each section is focused and contributes to the overall narrative, making it easy for readers to follow the developments. The use of direct quotes and specific examples, such as the Hope Squads and Dads on Duty, enhances understanding. However, some technical terms, like CSTAG, could benefit from further explanation for readers unfamiliar with the subject matter.

8
Source quality

The article attributes its information to credible sources, including school officials like Chad Martin and experts such as Jennifer DePaoli and Dewey Cornell. These individuals have relevant expertise and authority in the field of school safety, lending reliability to the article's claims. The mention of the Education Reporting Collaborative adds to the credibility, suggesting a well-researched piece. However, the article could benefit from direct quotes or data from independent studies to further substantiate its claims, particularly regarding the effectiveness of the programs discussed.

7
Transparency

The article is transparent about its sources and the context of the initiatives it describes. It clearly outlines the steps taken by Rigby schools and the reasoning behind them. However, there is limited disclosure about the methodology used to assess the 'measurable positive results' or how the effectiveness of the initiatives was determined. Additionally, while the article mentions financial support for AP's education coverage, it does not detail any potential conflicts of interest or biases that might influence the reporting.

Sources

  1. https://kmyu.tv/news/rigby-school-shooter-remains-in-state-custody-until-19th-birthday
  2. https://www.marketplace.org/shows/marketplace-tech/schools-are-using-ai-tracking-software-on-student-devices-recent-investigation-shows/
  3. https://localnews8.com/news/top-stories/2022/04/07/documents-shed-light-on-rigby-middle-school-shooting/
  4. https://www.eastidahonews.com/2022/04/unsealed-documents-shed-new-light-on-what-happened-the-day-of-the-rigby-middle-school-shooting/
  5. https://www.eastidahonews.com/2022/05/heres-where-the-rigby-middle-school-shooter-is-today/