Trauma informed school
A trauma-informed school, sometimes referred to as a trauma-sensitive school, is designed to recognize and respond to the effects of trauma on students and staff. These educational environments prioritize creating a safe and supportive space for learning, particularly for those who have experienced adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). ACEs can include various traumatic events such as neglect, abuse, or the loss of a loved one, impacting a child's emotional and educational well-being.
Research indicates that students with ACEs are at a higher risk for academic challenges, behavioral issues, and health problems. Trauma-informed schools aim to mitigate these risks by training staff to identify trauma-related behaviors and provide appropriate support. This approach fosters emotional and physical safety, helping students access mental health resources and build connections within their community. By employing positive discipline techniques and focusing on holistic well-being, these schools work to improve student behavior, reduce disciplinary actions, and enhance academic outcomes. Overall, trauma-informed schools play a crucial role in addressing the needs of students affected by trauma, ultimately promoting healthier individuals and a more positive school climate.
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Trauma informed school
A trauma-informed school, also known as a trauma-sensitive school, is an educational environment designed to support students who have experienced childhood trauma and create a safe place for them to learn. This type of school addresses the impact trauma has on student learning using a school-wide approach. Trauma-informed schools have many benefits, including improved learning outcomes and a reduced risk of life-altering health conditions.
Background
The National Survey of Children's Health indicates that about 40 percent of American children will have at least one adverse childhood experience (ACE) by age sixteen. An ACE may include traumatic events such as being abused or neglected, having a parent with an addiction or a mental health condition, witnessing the abuse of a parent, losing a parent because of divorce or abandonment, and having a family member who is incarcerated. They also include the death of a loved one, migration or deportation, and traumatic medical conditions. Those who have experienced trauma may have witnessed school shootings, been bullied, or been discriminated against. Surveys indicate that nearly every adult has experienced an ACE. These experiences can result in depression, an increased risk of engaging in risky behavior or becoming addicted to drugs or alcohol, and an increased risk of serious heart, lung, and liver diseases later in life. Those who experience early traumatic events are more likely to attempt suicide or engage in abusive behaviors themselves.
Overview
Research indicates that children who experience trauma are more likely to struggle with attendance, behavior, and achievement in traditional schools. They have an increased likelihood of missing or skipping school and may have health problems caused by chronic elevated levels of stress. These students also tend to have a higher rate of behavioral problems, are often disciplined, and are much more likely to drop out of school.
Trauma-informed schools address these concerns by equipping the school’s staff and other concerned adults within the school environment with the training and tools needed to identify and respond to students affected by trauma. These schools consider all aspects of the child’s life, addressing issues of physical and emotional safety. They help children connect to people and resources who can help them, often providing mental health services onsite in the familiar school environment. Students also receive opportunities to connect with mentors and peers in a positive and safe manner. Educators foster positive student-teacher relationships by using positive discipline techniques to address behavioral problems resulting from trauma by redirecting student behaviors without adding to their stress levels. Educators and school staff are trained to recognize escalating situations and prevent or de-escalate problematic behavior to avoid events that may re-traumatize some individuals. Students and educators are also trained to understand the difference between trauma-induced behavior and appropriate behavior, which allows students and teachers to address the source of the problem with grace as students learn emotional regulation.
Experts note many advantages of trauma-informed schools, including improved behavior, reduced incidences of suspensions and expulsions, and greatly improved academic achievement. Students gain confidence in their learning ability and feel safe to explore their interests. Students helped through these schools are less likely to experience stress-related health problems, die by suicide, or commit acts of abuse. However, for significant positive results to occur, trauma-informed schools must be comprehensive and receive proper support. Educators and school staff should be well-trained in trauma’s impact on education and the appropriate trauma-informed strategies that will benefit their students.
Bibliography
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