A trauma-sensitive school can be the hub of a vibrant, supportive community
The March/April 2020 edition of Principal Magazine published by the National Association of Elementary School features an article written by TLPI Director, Susan Cole.
The March/April 2020 edition of Principal Magazine published by the National Association of Elementary School features an article written by TLPI Director, Susan Cole.
Research on trauma-sensitive schools provides timely insights for educating students during this time of unprecedented crises. Boston University researchers completed “An Evaluation of the Trauma and Learning Policy Initiative’s (TLPI) Inquiry-Based Process: Year Three.” The report evaluated the efficacy and sustainability of the trauma-sensitive culture changes that occurred in three demonstration schools that used TLPI’s inquiry-based process.
Trauma-sensitive school leaders spoke to the critical role that parents and care givers are playing in this time of remote learning. Educators are now working closely with parents and caregivers in new ways, often supporting them as collaborating co-teachers. They shared the wonderful examples of how elementary school educators are inviting families to join the learning.
Educators share the questions that they use to guide their COVID-19 response and how they are addressing their most urgent priorities in trauma-sensitive and culturally responsive ways.
Recently TLPI convened a group of trauma-sensitive school leaders to listen to the many ways in which they are using the trauma lens to buffer the traumatic effects of these challenges and guide their work in these difficult times.
Recently, two noted neuropsychological experts, Dr. Stephanie Monaghan-Blout and Dr. Nancy Roosa of Neuropsychology & Education Services for Children & Adolescents (NESCA), delivered an online presentation titled “Autism and Trauma: The Intersection” that provides some very helpful insights for understanding how neurodiverse students may react to traumatic stress.
Beginning this week, TLPI staff will be working remotely in response to the public health emergency resulting from the COVID-19 outbreak. We will continue operations by responding to e-mails, phone calls and website requests as normal, but will be doing so from outside our office. As we began preparing for this transition, we grappled with how to stay connected as a team and thought it might be helpful to schools and districts to create an opportunity to join us in thinking through how to maintain the strong sense of community that exists in trauma-sensitive, safe and supportive schools when the schools have been shut down.
TLPI convened a legislative briefing where students from Massachusetts High Schools shared with legislators what they need from their schools in order to learn and do well. The students’ comments make a powerful argument for why we need to include their voice in education reform efforts.
Do you have a passion for education reform? TLPI is seeking to hire a Communications Specialist with energy, experience, passion, intelligence, and an eye to detail to join our team.
Please watch MAC TLPI’s new video A School’s Journey to Trauma Sensitivity.