Constructive tools to migrate the negative impact of trauma on learning
Adverse childhood experiences cause trauma. To address the negative impact of trauma on learning, the Trauma-Informed Approach is being introduced in schools and organizations nationwide. The Relationship Foundation is offering workshops and training on this approach for teachers and administrators.
One of the main elements of a Trauma-Responsive Approach is its focus on enhancing adult/child relationships. The first step to mitigating troublesome behavior is to understand the history behind it, rather than judging, blaming, and shaming. Informing teachers, school administrators and parents about the effect of childhood trauma allows for a broader perspective as to the root cause of problematic behavior.
Toxic stress to brain architecture puts a student in fight, flight or freeze. This can give educators a broader perspective on student behavior. Given the pressure brought on by the ACEs, it then becomes clear that disruptive behavior is out of the student’s control. Educators then gain a new perspective which has them ask not, “what is wrong with you?”, but rather, “what happened to you?“
In 2009, Lincoln High School, a school for suspended students in Walla Walla Washington, became the first Trauma-Informed school. Their approach was so successful that over a three year period, the suspension rate went from 796 to 135 and graduation rates increased five times. An element at play in the major shifts that occurred at Lincoln High School was the staff’s understanding and implementation of Trauma-Informed thinking, which emphasizes how the presence of even one supportive adult in a child’s life can help build trust resilience.
Being able to overcome ACE simply requires there to be a trusting relationship — someone who believes in the child.
In addition to the 10 ACEs, researchers, educators, social workers, and counselors are acknowledging the impact of what has become known as the Adverse Community Experiences. These include poverty, racism, street violence, exploitation, unemployment, homelessness, and discrimination. Adverse Childhood Experiences and Adverse Community Experiences are key factors of present and future difficulties with learning, social engagement, mental and physical health, and well-being throughout childhood and into adulthood.