Advocating for Policy Reform to Support Trauma-Informed Practices in US Schools: Attention to the Learning Needs of Children who have Experienced Trauma
Abstract: An international issue impacting educational settings across the globe is the emotional well-being and physical safety of students. Tragically, there is a soaring rate of students entering K-12 classrooms who have experienced trauma, either in a personal or in a community-wide event. In order to foster a secure environment for learning, educators must provide specific attention to students’ well-being through curriculum- and school-based practices, as well as referring students to community-based professional services. Furthermore, the local community, including state and federal governments are vital in supporting these policy reforms. This presentation seeks to support trauma-informed practices in schools as well as the need for policy reform in support of these changes.