On the journey of school preparedness, laying a strong foundation is just the beginning. Our previous article, “Crawling Towards Competence,” explored the essential “Crawl Phase” of the Reunification Foundation’s methodology, where schools establish comprehensive plans, initially train their teams, and gather supplies. Much like a child first learning to sit and then to move, the “Crawl Phase” provides the crucial groundwork for what is to come. Once the crawl phase is established, we advance to the next vital stage: the “Walk Phase,” where theoretical knowledge transforms into practical proficiency through hands-on application.
The Purpose of the Walk Phase: Learning by Doing
The “Walk Phase” is designed for action. Its primary purpose is to test and refine the reunification process on a small scale, moving beyond planning into practical application. The key tool in this phase is the functional exercise. It’s crucial to understand that these exercises are training events, not evaluations. The ultimate goal is to create an environment where teams can openly identify and make mistakes, allowing for “wrinkles” in the process to be ironed out and continuous improvement to occur. Any component of the reunification process can, and should, be tested during these exercises.
Key Activities During the Walk Phase
Before diving into functional exercises, there are several preparatory steps crucial for success in the “Walk Phase”:
- Review and Improve:
- Schools should convene their planning team to review any After-Action Reviews (AARs) or feedback gleaned from previous training events, particularly those from the “Crawl Phase”. This critical analysis then informs the development of an improvement plan if necessary.
- Schools should convene their planning team to review any After-Action Reviews (AARs) or feedback gleaned from previous training events, particularly those from the “Crawl Phase”. This critical analysis then informs the development of an improvement plan if necessary.
- Material and Documentation Updates:
- It’s essential to inspect and update all reunification materials, ensuring they are current and complete. Furthermore, communication rosters, Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs), and any other legally or policy-directed items required by the organization should be developed or thoroughly reviewed.
- It’s essential to inspect and update all reunification materials, ensuring they are current and complete. Furthermore, communication rosters, Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs), and any other legally or policy-directed items required by the organization should be developed or thoroughly reviewed.
- Site Awareness:
- Contacting both primary and secondary reunification sites is vital to ensure they are fully aware of any changes to the school’s process, fostering clear communication and coordination.
The Reunification Functional Exercise: A Hands-On Approach
The cornerstone of the “Walk Phase” is the 1/2 Day Reunification Functional Exercise. This immersive training event provides a unique opportunity for your team to apply everything they’ve learned. During this exercise, the reunification site (or an alternative if the primary site is unavailable) is set up exactly as it would be during a real event. Importantly, your entire team will rotate through the roles of team members, parents, and students. This innovative method allows participants to experience firsthand what it’s like to be in each role. By understanding how students waiting to be picked up and parents waiting in line feel, your team will gain valuable empathy and be better prepared to help when necessary. Teams will conduct one to two practice reunifications, time permitting, based on all-hazard scenarios. This approach emphasizes the adaptability and importance of the reunification capability in responding to any type of event. Following the exercise, experienced trainers facilitate an After-Action Review (AAR) to gather valuable lessons learned and identify areas for continued improvement.
The Benefits of Walking: Building Confidence and Capability
The “Walk Phase” is more than just a training session; it’s a vital developmental stage. It reinforces understanding and builds practical skills within team members. Hands-on practice in a controlled, low-pressure setting helps foster confidence, preparing them to respond effectively during a real event. By proactively identifying and fixing procedural “wrinkles” now, schools can prevent larger issues from arising during an actual reunification. This structured progression ensures that as teams advance, they are not only knowledgeable but also truly proficient.
Conclusion: Stepping Forward in Preparedness
The “Walk Phase” represents a key step in a school’s journey along the path of reunification readiness. It’s where plans become reality, where theory turns into practice, and where teams start to truly grasp the details of their roles. After mastering their “walk,” teams are now prepared for the “Run Phase”—a full test of their reunification capabilities.