Center for Assessment, Research, and Educational Safety

What is C.A.R.E.S.?

C.A.R.E.S. is committed to enhancing the safety and well-being of educational communities, from primary schools to higher education, through innovative research in threat assessment, behavioral health, and safety practices. By combining research with proactive training, we empower educators and stakeholders to foster supportive, inclusive environments where every individual can thrive. Our holistic approach emphasizes both physical security and mental well-being, focusing prevention and response to all types of crises events that threaten educational experiences, outcomes, and environments. Through conferences, podcasts, and training, we share our findings to promote preparedness, best practices, and a culture of safety. Our goal is to ensure that all individuals—students, staff, and faculty—feel valued, respected, and equipped to succeed.

History of C.A.R.E.S.

Educators, parents, students, community members all care about our schools, universities, and communities. Several SHSU faculty collaborated to offer their expertise in preparing for challenges facing educational institutions today. Given SHSU’s leading role in a number of disciplines, faculty began researching ways in which they could support today’s educators and towns. For example, in 2018 a cross-disciplinary team of faculty led by Dr. Matthew Fuller met with local legislators and school leaders to examine school and university safety issues from a variety of perspectives. From these and other early conversations the Center for Assessment, Research, and Educational Safety was born. Serving as a research team, the faculty and staff at C.A.R.E.S. work collaboratively with experts across disciplines and around the world to look at educational safety in new ways.

Looking to the Future

Along with your help, we plan to create a sustainable and efficient system of informing and equipping educators and other parties regarding the matter of safety within schools and universities.

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