The increase in prevalence of students impacted by environmental trauma is evident in classrooms all across the country. Nearly half of all U.S. children have been exposed to at least one traumatic event and more than 1 in 5 have been exposed to several. This environment often causes students to have extensive learning, social, and behavioral challenges. They fall behind academically, fail to develop healthy relationships with peers, or create problems with teachers and principals because they are unable to trust adults. In addition, these students often find solace in food, alcohol, drugs, sex, and other high-risk behaviors. Specifically, this chapter will help school professionals 1) define and explore the impact of trauma on the developing brain's ability to learn, 2) become aware of the prevalence of trauma exposure in today's classrooms, 3) describe how to implement trauma sensitive best practices in schools and classrooms, and 4) incorporate educator self-care and wellness practices within a trauma sensitive environment.
TopObjectives
This chapter will help school professionals:
- 1.
Define and explore the impact of trauma on the developing brain’s ability to learn.
- 2.
Become aware of the prevalence of trauma exposure in today’s classrooms.
- 3.
Describe how to implement trauma sensitive best practices in schools and classrooms.
- 4.
Incorporate educator self-care and wellness practices within a trauma sensitive environment.
TopCase Study Applications
As you read and engage with the information in this chapter, reflect on the following two case studies and apply the information. At the end of this chapter we will revisit and apply your new knowledge and understanding to initiate practices that can address the needs of these and other students
Case Study 1. Aaliyah
Aaliyah, a bright, loquacious student, began her 11th grade school year recovering from the shock of her brother’s murder. The tragedy happened a week before the first day of school, and once she stepped in the building her teachers immediately noticed a change in her behavior. In her AP English Language class, she was no longer able to focus; instead she vacillated between intense fatigue and explosive outbursts at her teachers and fellow students. Though Aaliyah has always been an outspoken student, standing up for herself and others, her advocacy has taken on a more combative tone. In speaking with her, Aaliyah noted that her brother was not the first person she has known to be killed.
Aaliyah lives in the city’s poorest zip code. In her neighborhood, there is a lack of access to fresh food, few city sponsored resources, and violence is often in the background. Skirmishes are settled through physical or gun violence, and at times, individuals are injured or killed in the crosshairs. While some of the issues that plague the community spill over to the school she attends, it is her safe haven. She is able to feel her full range of emotions at school, and after the loss of her brother, the teachers, counselors, and administration see it all.
Case Study 2. Natalia
Natalia, a freshman, has had a rough couple of months after the winter break. Though her standardized test scores show that she is bright, she has never shown an interest in the daily grind of school. She does, however, show up to school daily, but is often caught skipping class in the hallways. She is known, both in the school building and in the neighborhood, as the girl you can go to get your hair or nails done, or to access illicit drugs.
Over the past month or so, Natalia’s attendance began to decline. On a day that she is back in the building, Natalia discloses that she has been kicked out of her home, and that this is a yearly occurrence. Her mother has allowed a new partner into the house who has made it clear that Natalia is not welcome. When asked where she is currently living, she states that she has spent a few nights with friends before moving on to another friend’s house. Her demeanor has changed from being boisterous to sullen and withdrawn. Before leaving your office, she also mentions that she thinks she is pregnant, but is not sure.