Training Series
Trauma Sensitive Schools
The concept of trauma-sensitive schools has been gaining attention due to a number of trends, including the increased recognition of the need to integrate mental health and educational outcomes in school-based programs, especially in vulnerable communities. This series is intended for school-based administrators, pupil personnel services staff (psychologists, guidance counselors, and social workers), and school-based mental health providers interested in creating schools prepared to address the pervasive impact of trauma.
Part 1: Trauma-Sensitive Schools - A Multi-tiered Approach
October 26, 2017
Creating trauma-sensitive schools requires a comprehensive approach that is anchored in principles of trauma-informed care. In Part 1 of the series, we introduce a working model for trauma-sensitive schools that includes three tiers of intervention: universal, selected and intensive. We review t...
Part 2: Tier 1 – Trauma-Informed Care for All – Creating Safe and Healthy Classrooms
November 02, 2017
A trauma-sensitive school system or building is one that is safe and healthy for students regardless of exposure to trauma. In this installment of the series, we discuss the universal level of trauma-sensitive schools and provide information about the practices that can be implemented in classroom...
Part 3: Tier 2 – Trauma-Informed Interventions for Students in Need
November 30, 2017
A trauma-sensitive school includes approaches for addressing the needs of students who might be demonstrating social, emotional and behavioral challenges as a result of their exposure to trauma or chronic stress. Such challenges can certainly begin to manifest in poor educational outcomes and beha...
Part 5: Restorative Justice: A Trauma-Informed Approach to Discipline in School
February 08, 2018
A trauma-sensitive school must have discipline policies and practices to complement traditional behavioral approaches to managing problem behaviors. Many schools across the U.S. have begun to adopt and implement restorative justice programs in schools with promising results. These discipline strateg...
Part 4: Providing Services to Students with Clinically Significant Difficulties Following Trauma Exposure
March 08, 2018
A trauma-informed school system has the capacity to help meet the mental healthcare needs of children experiencing clinically significant difficulties resulting from trauma exposure. Problems can manifest as disruptive behavior disorders, PTSD and related symptoms, or other problems related to moo...