California Preliminary Administrative Credential Examination (CPACE) Practice Exam

A principal would most likely order a school lockdown in response to a situation where there is an immediate threat to the safety of students and staff, such as a man with a gun seen on school property. In this scenario, the lockdown is a critical safety measure aimed at protecting everyone within the school. During a lockdown, all classroom doors are secured, students are instructed to remain quiet and out of sight, and all movement within the school is restricted to minimize the risk of harm.

This action prioritizes the safety and security of students and staff during a potentially dangerous situation, and it reflects the protocols that schools have developed to respond to threats of violence. In contrast, the other situations presented do not represent immediate threats that would necessitate such a drastic measure. A small fire or a major storm could lead to evacuation or shelter-in-place procedures but would not generally trigger a lockdown, while disruptive behavior in the cafeteria might warrant disciplinary action or conflict resolution but does not involve the level of threat that calls for a lockdown.