AI-ENHANCED CRISIS MANAGEMENT IN SCHOOLS
Crisis management in schools is crucial for maintaining the safety and well-being of students, staff, and parents during emergencies. The rise in crises like natural disasters, violence, and mental health issues highlights the need for effective systems. This paper introduces the Crisis Intelligence for Resilient Education (CIRE) Model using the psychological and assessment framework, which integrates Artificial Intelligence (AI) with crisis management strategies to improve preparedness, decision-making, and psychological support. The CIRE Model includes proactive risk assessment, early warning systems, and resource allocation to help school leadership respond effectively. AI technologies, such as predictive analytics and machine learning, enhance decision-making by identifying threats early, optimising resources, and ensuring real-time communication. While AI plays a significant role in crisis management, resilient leadership remains vital in managing crises and supporting long-term recovery. Implementing AI systems requires careful planning, integration with school protocols, and consideration of ethical issues like data privacy. Schools must invest in ongoing training for staff and students to ensure proper use of AI tools. Ethical guidelines and policies should be established to govern AI use, especially regarding mental health data. Continuous updates to AI systems based on feedback are necessary. The paper emphasises adopting AI-driven tools tailored to schools’ needs. It stresses the importance of professional development and clear policies to ensure AI's ethical and effective use in crisis management. The recommendations made on this expository paper include the need for school leaders to invest in developing and implementing AI-driven crisis management tools that can help identify potential crises, provide real-time alerts, and facilitate swift response and recovery. Secondly, that Government should provide training and support for administrators and staff to develop resilient leadership skills, enabling them to effectively manage crises, prioritize student well-being and foster a culture of resilience.