Transforming Education: Trauma-Informed Care in Public Schools

Implementing these practices can increase student achievement and improve classroom dynamics.

Even prior to the onset of the pandemic, there was growing concern among school mental health professionals regarding the significant impact of trauma on students in public schools. Traumatic experiences, such as abuse, neglect, violence, or even community-level traumas like natural disasters, can have long-lasting effects on a child’s cognitive, emotional, and social development.

The prevalence of these experiences among students necessitates a paradigm shift in our approach to education. Trauma-informed care in public schools is emerging as a critical strategy to support the wellbeing and academic success of all students. In this article, we will explore the importance of implementing trauma-informed care in public schools and provide a roadmap for getting started.

Trauma-informed care

Trauma-informed care is an approach that acknowledges the widespread impact of trauma and seeks to create an environment that promotes safety, trust, and empowerment for all individuals. According to the National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN), a trauma-informed school “recognizes that trauma affects staff, students, families, communities and systems” (NCTSN, 2023). This approach recognizes that many students may have experienced trauma in their lives and aims to create an educational setting that is responsive to their needs.

There are many benefits to incorporating trauma-informed care in public schools, including: 

• Increased levels of academic success: Trauma can significantly impact a child’s ability to learn. By addressing trauma, schools can remove barriers to learning and improve academic outcomes.
• Better mental and emotional health: Trauma-informed care supports the mental and emotional wellbeing of students. It can reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and behavioral issues.
• Reduced discipline problems: Students who have experienced trauma are more likely to exhibit challenging behaviors. A trauma-informed approach focuses on addressing the underlying causes of these behaviors rather than punitive measures.
• Improved teacher–student relationships: Teachers who understand trauma are better equipped to connect with and support their students, creating a positive learning environment.
• Equipping students with long-term life skills: Implementing trauma-informed care not only benefits students in the short term but also equips them with essential life skills for coping with adversity.

Getting started with trauma-informed care

Implementing a trauma-informed system of care in your school may take time and effort, but the results are well worth it. Here are the steps to get started:

1) Train and educate. The first step in implementing trauma-informed care in public schools is to provide training and education for all staff members. This includes teachers, administrators, counselors, and support staff. Training should cover trauma and its impact on students, how to recognize signs of trauma in students, developing empathy and sensitivity toward students who have experienced trauma, strategies for creating a trauma-informed classroom and school environment, and techniques for deescalating challenging situations.

2) Assess the school environment. Conduct a thorough assessment of the school environment to identify areas that may need adjustment to align with trauma-informed care principles. This assessment should include: Physical space: Ensure that classrooms and common areas are welcoming, safe, and free from triggers that might retraumatize students.

• Policies and procedures: Review and adapt disciplinary policies to be more supportive and less punitive.
• Staff interactions: Encourage staff to model positive behaviors, including empathy, active listening, and respectful communication.

3) Build a supportive team. Form a trauma-informed care team within the school composed of educators, counselors, and support staff. This team will be responsible for developing and implementing trauma-informed policies and practices, providing ongoing training and support to staff, and identifying and supporting students who may need additional assistance.

4) Communicate and collaborate. Establish clear lines of communication and collaboration between teachers, counselors, and administrators. Regular meetings and open channels for sharing information about students’ needs and progress are essential.

5) Implement trauma-informed classroom practices. Teachers play a crucial role in implementing trauma-informed care on a day-to-day basis. Some effective classroom practices include establishing routines and predictable schedules to provide stability, using trauma-sensitive language and communication, offering choices to students when appropriate, and implementing mindfulness and self-regulation techniques.

6) Provide resources. Public schools should ensure that students and families have access to appropriate resources, including mental health services and counseling. Collaborate with community organizations and agencies to expand support options.

7) Evaluate and continuously improve. Regularly assess the effectiveness of trauma-informed care practices in your school. Gather feedback from students, staff, and parents to identify areas for improvement. Trauma-informed care is an ongoing process that requires continuous refinement and adaptation.

Conclusion

Implementing trauma-informed care in public schools is not only a moral imperative but also a practical strategy for improving educational outcomes and fostering the wellbeing of students. By embracing the principles of safety, trustworthiness, choice and collaboration, empowerment, and cultural sensitivity, schools can create environments where all students can thrive, regardless of their past experiences. Starting this journey may require effort and commitment, but the long-term benefits for both students and the entire school community are immeasurable. Trauma-informed care is a pathway to transforming education and ensuring that every student has the opportunity to succeed.

PAR Trauma Assessments

PAR offers a range of trauma assessments to support students who have been affected by trauma and help school psychologists develop interventions for their plans.

References

Essential Elements of Trauma Informed Systems https://www.nctsn.org/trauma-informed-care/trauma-informed-systems/schools/essentialelements

National Child Traumatic Stress Network, Schools Committee. (2017). Creating, supporting, and sustaining trauma-informed schools: A system framework. National Center for Child Traumatic Stress

Berger, T. (2018). An inside look at trauma-informed practices. https://www.edutopia.org/article/inside-look-trauma-informed-practices

Wheeler, L. (2022). A relationship-driven strategy for addressing challenging behavior. https://www.edutopia.org/article/relationship-driven-strategy-addressing-challenging-behavior

A Daily Support System for Students https://www.edutopia.org/video/daily-support-system-students