In an effort to build safer school communities, Michigan is launching Behavioral Threat Assessment Management (BTAM) Teams across the state. These specialized teams bring together educators, mental health professionals, and law enforcement partners to recognize warning signs, provide early intervention, and reduce the risk of violence before it happens.
Locally, Ingham ISD’s Director of Mental Health & Wellness, Noelle Duvall, recently sat down with Fox 47 News to share the importance of this initiative. “The goal is prevention,” Duvall explained. “By collaborating across disciplines, we can better support students in crisis and address challenges before they escalate.”
The BTAM approach focuses on care and connection as much as safety. Teams look beyond discipline, offering support and resources to students who may be struggling socially, emotionally, or behaviorally. This proactive model is part of Michigan’s broader commitment to creating environments where all students can feel secure, connected, and ready to learn.
For families and community members, this initiative underscores a shared responsibility: noticing when something feels “off” and making sure concerns are communicated to trusted adults. With schools, ISDs, and partners working together, these safety teams represent a new layer of protection for Michigan’s students.
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Michigan schools, including those supported by Ingham ISD, are rolling out Behavioral Threat Assessment Management (BTAM) Teams. These new safety teams are designed to identify and address concerning behaviors early—keeping schools safe by preventing violence before it occurs.
When schools and families work together, students thrive — academically, socially, and emotionally. Michigan education leaders, including Ingham ISD’s Dr. Sandee Donald, are shining a spotlight on the power of authentic family engagement and its role in improving student outcomes.
