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Washington Post US School Shootings Record
Education & Learning Analytics
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About
This dataset aims to quantify the number of children affected by school shootings in the US, going beyond just those killed or injured. It documents acts of gunfire at primary and secondary schools in the United States since the Columbine High massacre on 20 April 1999. The Washington Post compiled this data, reviewing over 1,000 alleged incidents to identify more than 200 that met specific criteria, such as occurring on campus immediately before, during, or just after classes. It excludes after-hours events, accidental discharges not injuring others, private suicides, and incidents at colleges or universities. The data is regularly updated as new information becomes available. This initiative is particularly significant as the federal government does not routinely track school shootings.
Columns
While a detailed list of all column names is not explicitly provided, the dataset includes a unique identifier for each incident. Information regarding the school's enrollment and demographic details, based on US Education Department figures, is also incorporated to estimate the number of children exposed to gunfire.
Distribution
The dataset is typically provided in a CSV format. It contains information on over 200 incidents of gun violence that satisfied the defined criteria. Specific numbers for rows or records are not detailed beyond this count. The dataset is organised in a database structure for ease of analysis and is expected to be updated monthly.
Usage
This dataset is ideal for:
- Analysing patterns and trends in US school shootings.
- Understanding the wider impact of gun violence on primary and secondary school children.
- Supporting research in public safety and crime.
- Developing data visualisations related to school gun violence.
Coverage
The dataset covers primary and secondary schools across the United States. The temporal scope begins on 20 April 1999, following the Columbine High massacre. It includes incidents occurring on school campuses during or immediately adjacent to school hours. It specifically excludes higher education institutions and certain types of isolated or non-threatening gunfire events. The analysis incorporates demographic and enrollment figures for schools from the US Education Department.
License
CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
Who Can Use It
This dataset is suitable for a range of users, including:
- Journalists and Researchers: For in-depth analysis and reporting on school gun violence and its effects on children.
- Academics and Students: For studies related to criminology, public health, education policy, and social issues.
- Public Safety and Law Enforcement Agencies: For understanding incident contexts and informing safety strategies.
- Policy Makers and Advocates: To inform discussions and decisions related to gun control and school safety initiatives.
Dataset Name Suggestions
- US School Gun Violence Data Since Columbine
- Children Affected by US School Shootings Database
- Washington Post US School Shootings Record
- Primary & Secondary School Gun Incidents (US)
Attributes
Original Data Source: Washington Post US School Shootings Record
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