It provides information relevant to the management of any school crisis and specifically addresses suicide, natural disasters, rape, homicide, and riots. One section of the manual explains the decisions that must be made before a crisis occurs to ensure appropriate and consistent responses to whatever events arise; the checklist in this section can be used to monitor development of the crisis management system. Another section helps schools respond to a major school-wide crisis. It includes procedures for general crisis intervention, suggestions for an emergency staff meeting, and material on systematic long-term follow-up. Specific material on suicide and natural disasters is included. A section on the limited crisis response team (CRT) addresses crises that require an organized response from the CRT and other designated district or community staff, without requiring the mobilization of the entire school. Another section suggests outlines for CRT training and for staff. Other sections of the manual contain forms to aid in the organization of crisis response, handouts for staff during training, and handouts for families to help them assist their children following a school crisis. 65 references