Purpose. The purpose of this study was to determine what research-based and federally recommended practices in the area of school crisis response planning and management were being implemented in K-8 school districts in Northern California, as well as the degree with which the recommended practices were being implemented. Finally, the study determined if there was a significant difference in the level of agreement between the three populations examined on the level of implementation of recommended practices by school districts. Methodology. This study used an ex post facto design. Data were collected through the use of questionnaires. Quantitative data were collected from 116 school superintendents, 50 fire chiefs, and 46 police chiefs. Findings. An analysis of the quantitative data resulted in the following findings. All elements of recommended best practice in the area of school crisis response planning and management were in use in K-8 school districts in Northern California to some degree. Additionally, a significant difference, at the 0.05 level or higher, existed in the level of agreement between the three sample groups concerning the implementation as well as the degree of implementation of recommended best practice, as evidenced by the use of the "not sure" response option. Conclusions. The study data supported the conclusion that information gathered about the implementation of best practices and frequency of implementation in the area of school crisis response planning and management must be viewed with caution. Additionally, the data supported the conclusion that a lack of interagency communication and collaboration exists in this area. Recommendations. Further research is recommended in the following areas: a study of the same population utilizing qualitative research strategies; a study of the same population from the vantage point of organizational psychology; and a study that examines the issue from a perspective including agencies representing mental health, emergency medicine, and the faith community. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]