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About Trauma-Impacted Students
Current research highlights an alarming trend: students in our schools are facing unprecedented stress levels and an increased incidence of trauma. This situation detrimentally influences their cognitive performance and behavior in educational environments. Consequently, there is a rising call among educators for enhanced support, advocating for the inclusion of guidance counselors, school psychologists, and behavioral experts to address these intensifying issues. The challenge of dealing with trauma in educational settings is compounded by the fact that students might not readily show their distress. Often, they hide their turmoil behind behaviors that can appear aggressive or unapproachable. TSS Resources
The National Dropout Prevention Center (NDPC) offers a Trauma-Skilled Schools program, providing customizable services and certification options for individuals and schools on a unified platform. This approach supports schools in addressing the unique needs of trauma-impacted students, promoting a resilient learning environment. The program includes the Trauma-Skilled Specialist Certification, Trauma-Skilled Schools Certification, and the services listed below delivered by experienced educators trained in the Trauma-Skilled Schools Model.
This comprehensive framework aims to go beyond traditional trauma-informed methods, offering actionable steps and skills for enhancing student success.
More Trauma-Skilled Resources including videos, and downloadable PDFs can be found on our TSS Resource Page.
Full implementation of the Trauma-Skilled Schools Model begins with a Trauma-Skilled Institute for leadership and the development of a local Lead Team to guide adjustments to school culture and practice. Implementation includes various assessments from the perspective of staff and students that provide insight into potential areas of need. Trauma-Skilled Schools faculty members deliver professional development to full staff and coach the Lead Team throughout the implementation process.
Today’s students are in need of resilience. With instant access to information, products, and services, the ability to persevere amid difficulty is a diminishing commodity. A lot of emphasis has been placed on school culture and its impact on student achievement. While this has resulted in some very positive and warm cultures, it is important to note that not all good cultures foster and build resilience. Using student data and the five resilience factors found in the Trauma-Skilled Schools Model, this effort examines school culture and how to build the outcome of resilience for students and staff. The results impact student achievement as well as staff morale and retention.
The educational process today is filled with inappropriate responses, regretted statements, and poor execution. Many times, well-intended staff communicate in ways that are effective with their own demographics yet send contrary messages to the hearers. This effort presents specific communication tactics that build empathy, connection, and resilience. Participants will learn strategies and patterns that are instantly applicable to their work contexts.
Today’s teachers and administrators are required to manage stress that comes with their personal lives and the increasing stressors of the educational environment. While doing so, there is the need to be present, professional, and proficient in a variety of skills. This session explores the effect of stress and trauma on the educational professional’s performance and guides participants through the development of a personal self-care plan. With follow-through and commitment, participants can decrease the impact of stress and trauma and improve performance.
Our world has become a very stressful environment for both teachers and students. That chronic stress and the effects of trauma impact the educational process from the perspective of school staff and the learner. This session discusses how learning is affected and how school can develop a practical and specific approach to addressing those issues.
A comprehensive advisory program plays a vital role in supporting student success by addressing their academic, social, and emotional needs. This workshop, “,” aims to equip educators with the knowledge and tools necessary to develop and implement an effective advisory program in their schools. Participants will explore the key components of a comprehensive advisory program, learn best practices from successful models, and develop an action plan to enhance or establish an advisory program that fosters student growth, engagement, and achievement.
At GW Helier Elementary School, led by Principal Jose Hinto, the implementation of the Trauma-Skilled Model has catalyzed significant changes. By prioritizing strong, supportive relationships among students, parents, and the community, the school has fostered a positive learning environment that enhances both academic performance and emotional well-being. This approach has not only improved student engagement but also set a new standard for educational excellence, demonstrating the substantial impact of a trauma-informed curriculum
NDPC offers two trauma-skilled certification programs based on the Trauma-Skilled Schools Model. The Trauma-Skilled Specialist Certification Program is designed for individuals and the Trauma-Skilled Schools Certification is designed for schools/ districts. Content for both certification programs is taught by Trauma-Skilled Schools Faculty, a team of experienced educators from across the nation who have been trained in the Model by NDPC.
The National Dropout Prevention Center’s (NDPC) Trauma-Skilled Schools Model presents a framework schools may use to develop specific action steps that will increase the chances of trauma impacted and trauma-stressed students graduating. The Model goes beyond “trauma informed’ and “trauma sensitive” to actions and skills and has attracted national attention from educators, schools, districts, and state agencies.
Achieving certification as a Trauma-Skilled Specialist or as a Trauma-Skilled School is a guided process requiring the individual or school/district to acquire knowledge, deliver supports, and master the skills to foster successful outcomes for stressed and trauma-impacted students.
Send an email to Todd Daggett, Chief Operating Officer of SPN/NDPC,
for a personalized discussion on how this program can benefit your educational community.
Todd Daggett
tdaggett@spnetwork.org