Case Study: Springs Charter Schools builds a chain of trust to strengthen threat assessment with Branching Minds

Springs Charter Schools cuts suspensions 50% with Branching Minds

Springs Charter Schools faced the challenge that even a best-practice threat assessment protocol is ineffective if students do not trust adults enough to report concerns. The district partnered with vendor Branching Minds to address the foundational need for a culture of trust to ensure threats are reported before they escalate.

The solution implemented with Branching Minds was a proactive "Chain of Trust" model, which includes belonging, low-barrier reporting, and the use of the evidence-based CSTAG threat assessment protocol. A key component was the KEEP Plan for restoration and support. This approach led to measurable results for Springs Charter Schools, including a drop in suspensions from 130 to 65 across 28 schools and zero students up for expulsion within three years.

Springs Charter Schools