Over the past few years, educators have spent countless hours training teachers and staff about Childhood Trauma and its impact on school-age children. The 2020 Pandemic only poured gasoline over the trauma that was already causing social and emotional harm. Despite the trauma experienced by many of our students, we must not lose sight of the fact that quality education is now more critical than ever.
In addition, we must further equip our school personnel with tools and strategies to ensure that children get the best education, regardless of their circumstances.
I had the honor of presenting at the Missouri Alternative Education Network Conference this past Monday. I spoke on the Six Principles of a Trauma-Informed School.
The Trauma-Informed Principles are:
Safety – emotional and physical (is the environment welcoming)?
Trust – is the service sensitive to people's needs?
Choice – do you provide opportunities for choice?
Collaboration – do you communicate a sense of 'doing with' rather than 'doing to'?
Empowerment – is empowering people a key focus?
Respect for Diversity – do you respect Diversity in all its forms?
Here are my suggestions and recommendations:
Get to the "Root" of the problem.
*Behavior is a form of communication!
*Determining the behavior's cause can help you meet the student's needs.
*A student who constantly disrupts your class may need attention.
*Anticipate who will disrupt and meet students' needs before class begins
Reach out to colleagues for support.
*Teachers' skill levels vary in every school.
*Utilize the skills of the entire staff. Some staff members are more effective in
maintaining behavior. Reach out to those staff members.
Always remain calm
Stay relaxed and calm.
Refrain from going back and forth.
Do not try to answer or respond to a student's "why questions."
Use conversation diffusers
"I hear you.", "Thanks for sharing." "Redirect to lesson, activity, and goals.
Review expectations
*Clear - Simple - Firm
Create a behavior plan (individual growth and achievement plan)
"i-Gap"
*Have a behavior system-Instant rewards, positive behavior support
*Make sure your plan is clear
*If you don't stick to your rules, students will test the rules and the boundaries!
Things to ponder:
1. How can school leaders effectively implement the Six Principles of a Trauma-Informed School in their educational institutions?
2. What specific strategies can be employed to identify and address the trauma experienced by children in a school setting?
3. How can school personnel create and enforce behavior plans tailored to the individual needs of students impacted by childhood trauma?
As a school leader, are you focusing on identifying the trauma or putting your staff in a position to be equipped to have the tools and skills to educate children impacted by CHILDHOOD TRAUMA?
Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration. (2014, July 1).
