PAR Winter 2021 School Catalog DigitalVersion Final - Flipbook - Page 13
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Easy strategies to promote a
trauma-sensitive environment
PA R E X P E RTS W E IG H IN
By Theo Miron, PsyS, NCSP
C
hildhood trauma can have profound
and detrimental effects on a student’s
behavior, emotional well-being, ability to learn, and even brain development.
Current research suggests at least one in
three American students has experienced
some type of significant trauma, also called
an adverse childhood experience (ACE).
ACEs can take a variety of different forms
such as parental neglect, exposure to
drugs or violence, and loss of a loved
one. Some ACEs may not seem as obvious, but exposure to prolonged negative
circumstances like poverty, racism, and
even bullying can also have significant
negative effects on child development.
Schools across America are beginning to
understand and adopt trauma-informed
approaches to provide a healthier overall
environment for these students.
One of the most effective strategies is to simply
establish relationships with students. Every
school day can be busy and chaotic, but taking
a few minutes to connect with a student can
make an immense difference in their life.
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Research suggests that elevated levels of
stress and anxiety may make kids seem angry,
disinterested, oppositional, or distracted. In
using a trauma-sensitive approach, educators challenge their assumptions and look
beyond the behavior to try to understand why
a child may be showing behavioral issues.
Many students who have experienced
trauma may feel powerless. Traumainformed schools allow all students
to build confidence, become resilient,
and gain a sense of well-being.
Theo Miron, PsyS, NCSP
Q:
What effects of quarantine might manifest
in the classroom?
Theo: Prolonged exposure
Darla: While younger
to quarantine can lead to
children may be clingier or
symptomatology consistent
regress in behaviors, older
with PTSD. Within the
children may become more
classroom, children may illustrate
anxious, angry, restless, and withdrawn.
hypervigilance, heightened levels of
Literature suggests that children often
anxiety, and a lower threshold for
display their worries in ways that caregivers
frustration. Due to the nature of the
or teachers may interpret as defiant
pandemic, children may also develop a
behavior. Children have more likelihood of
preoccupation with germs and cleanliness.
developing acute stress disorder and PTSD.
Terri: According to NW
Carrie: The effects of
Evaluation Association
quarantine can manifest
Regional Manager–
(producers of the MAP
both behaviorally and
Educational Assessment
test), projections suggest
tmiron@parinc.com
academically. Academic
significant academic backslide (called
backslides in reading and math may occur,
the “COVID slide”). The COVID slide
and children may demonstrate difficulty
Theo is a licensed specialist in school psychology
impacts reading, but math even more so.
with memory and concentration.
and a nationally certified school psychologist. He
Younger grades tend to experience a
Behaviorally, children may exhibit mood
spent nearly 18 years providing school psychologi-
greater impact than those who are
shifts, withdrawal from others, and
cal services to public school students in Minnesota,
further along in their education.
excessive concern about hygiene practices.
Arizona, and Texas. He is a member of the Texas
Association of School Psychologists and National
Association of School Psychologists.
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