Understanding Trauma in Education: The Spectrum of Adversity and Its Impact on Student Well-Being

Abstract

In this chapter, the authors will explore the connection between adverse childhood experiences, social determinants of health, and the educational outcomes of children. The chapter will discuss how social-emotional learning and trauma-informed healing-centered education can positively impact marginalized populations' educational and mental health outcomes. The chapter will provide the reader with an overview of trauma, social-emotional learning, trauma-informed care, and healing-centered schools. Additionally, the chapter will offer two different case studies to explore the impact that this can have on a graduate counseling program and a community-based healing-centered summer program for adolescents who have experienced trauma.