Teachers: You may wish to read 15 Tips for Talking with Children About Violence here. Consider inviting your school counselor or administrator to your class to help facilitate the discussion, and let students know there are resources at the school including the counselor for them to speak with.

SUMMARY

Two people were killed and six others injured at a private school in Madison, Wisconsin, on Monday. The suspected shooter, also found dead at the scene, was identified by officials as a 17-year-old female student at the school. Authorities are now investigating her motive as another American community is reeling from mass gun violence.

View the transcript of the story.

News alternative: Check out recent segments from the NewsHour, and choose the story you’re most interested in watching. You can make a Google doc copy of discussion questions that work for any of the stories here.

WARM-UP QUESTIONS

1. Where did the shooting described in this story take place?
2. Who was the shooter and what is known about her?
3. How many people were killed or injured in the shooting?
4. What is the number of school shootings in the U.S. in 2024, according to this story?
5. What does Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway say will be her focus after the shooting?

FOCUS QUESTIONS

Madison police chief Shon Barnes says that "Every child, every person in that building is a victim and will be a victim forever." What do you think he means? How do you think the larger community of Madison can support those victimized by the shooting?

Media literacy: Do you think the media should focus on details about the shooter? What are some reasons for revealing details about the shooter? What are some reasons for avoiding revealing many details?

Alternative: See, Think, Wonder: What did you notice? What did the story make you think? What would you want to learn more about?

FOR MORE

What students can do: You can watch this documentary about school shootings and how students suggest responding charting a path forward. If you would like to have a larger discussion about the documentary as a class, you can use this guide.

You might also want to read our recent Student Voice series that gathers student thoughts about how gun violence could be curbed in the U.S.

Fill out this form to share your thoughts on Classroom’s resources.