{"id":5963,"date":"2023-10-06T17:14:50","date_gmt":"2023-10-06T22:14:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.graduateprogram.org\/?p=5963"},"modified":"2023-10-06T17:14:50","modified_gmt":"2023-10-06T22:14:50","slug":"trauma-informed-care-for-a-student-crisis","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.graduateprogram.org\/blog\/trauma-informed-care-for-a-student-crisis\/","title":{"rendered":"Trauma-Informed Care for a Student Crisis"},"content":{"rendered":"

Traumatic events are happening to young children at an alarming rate with more than 50%<\/a> of young people reporting being exposed to violence or abuse before turning 16 and over two-thirds having undergone a traumatic event. Although the school’s primary focus is students\u2019 educational achievements, it\u2019s equally important to acknowledge the mental health and well-being of all students to ensure they successfully thrive in school.<\/p>\n

Teachers have an integral role in understanding how trauma can impact both learning and behavior. When students have experienced trauma, they may exhibit behavioral or academic problems. Therefore, educators<\/a> need to recognize these signs so they create a safe and supportive learning environment, as well as get children the help they need so they can recover from these traumatic experiences.<\/p>\n

Recognizing the Signs of a Crisis<\/h2>\n

Recognizing the signs of trauma can be difficult because it may look different for each student. While you may never know for sure if a student has experienced trauma, if you suspect a student is going through a crisis, as a mandated reporter<\/a> you are obligated to report any suspicions you may have. As an educator, knowing the signs and symptoms of trauma can help determine if your suspicions are correct.<\/p>\n

According to The National Child Traumatic Stress Network<\/a>, traumatic experiences such as abuse, neglect, discrimination, illness, violence, terrorism, death, or school shootings can all have an impact on a child\u2019s learning and\/or behavior. Some students show signs of stress during the first few weeks of a trauma and then may return to normal, while others who experience ongoing trauma may exhibit stress that impacts their day-to-day functioning.<\/p>\n

When you know the signs of trauma you will be better able to support your students because you will be able to consider the child\u2019s traumatic experience when dealing with any unruly behavior. Here are some signs you may observe in elementary, middle, and high school students.<\/p>\n

Classroom Signs of Trauma in Elementary Students:<\/h3>\n