Welcome to our website!
This site is designed to provide information on Trauma Informed Schools and to provide resources and highlight best practices. We will also highlight the work being done at one of the model schools located in the Santa Ana Unified School District, Cesar E. Chavez High School.
What is a Trauma Informed School?
A trauma informed school is characterized by an understanding and a commitment of all teachers and staff to an awareness of how trauma affects students of trauma (which according to recent studies are 40% of all students). Trauma informed teachers and staff are aware of trauma’s impact on students’ behavior, their relationships, their ability or inability to self-regulate behavior, and how that affects their classroom behavior.
An important shift in trauma informed schools is that instead of labeling and engaging in “battle” with non-performing” and “non-compliant” students, questions are asked regarding possible reasons for explaining the students’ behaviors. This results in a school that understands and recognizes that a student’s behavior is shaped by their former life experiences; and drives a response for addressing, (in a positive and affirming manner), the students’ needs and challenges.
A trauma informed school is ready to address students who manifest through behavior their need for supports. But how are ALL students supported regardless of their trauma history? If a school that is trauma informed provides a safe and sane, secure and caring climate, it can and will ultimately address the needs of all students.
As a last thought, there are some who ask, "why do we need trauma informed schools?" We should ask, "How is it working now, without them?”
An important shift in trauma informed schools is that instead of labeling and engaging in “battle” with non-performing” and “non-compliant” students, questions are asked regarding possible reasons for explaining the students’ behaviors. This results in a school that understands and recognizes that a student’s behavior is shaped by their former life experiences; and drives a response for addressing, (in a positive and affirming manner), the students’ needs and challenges.
A trauma informed school is ready to address students who manifest through behavior their need for supports. But how are ALL students supported regardless of their trauma history? If a school that is trauma informed provides a safe and sane, secure and caring climate, it can and will ultimately address the needs of all students.
As a last thought, there are some who ask, "why do we need trauma informed schools?" We should ask, "How is it working now, without them?”
