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Trauma Informed Practices
Smithville ISD is committed to training our professional educators to apply trauma informed approaches in the classroom environment in order to build positive relationships and support the emotional safety of all students.
Traumatic experiences that can occur in children and young adults resulting in adverse health outcomes in adulthood can be lessened through trauma informed practices. Traumatic experiences can impact an individual’s cognitive abilities, interfere with proper development, and limit academic achievement. Trauma-informed school approaches positively impact all students, regardless of trauma history. A trauma-informed approach to teaching includes care, compassion, and acceptance for students regardless of their successes, failures, or situation (Berardi & Morton, 2017). Simple strategies to support students in the classroom can lessen the impact of trauma.
Best Practices for Trauma Informed Instruction
âž” Emphasize causal and sequential relationships in classroom activities;
âž” Divide tasks and instruction into parts to help students feel less overwhelmed;
âž” Present information in multiple ways to reduce the likelihood of students missing important pieces of information;
âž” Provide concrete examples and use visual cues, physical movement, and recall activities during instruction to help students stay focused and engaged;
âž” Utilize graphic organizers and physical manipulatives in academic lessons to help students organize new information;
âž” Create opportunities for students to repeat and rehearse instructions; and
âž” Offer ongoing support and encouragement to support students in staying on task.
Berardi, A. and B.M. Morton. “Maximizing Academic Success for Foster Care Students: A Trauma-Informed Approach.” Journal of At-Risk Issues, 20:1, January 1, 2017. p. 14. Accessed via EbscoHost
Resources & Links
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Languages: English, Spanish
Hours: Available 24 hours
The crisis hotline provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week anywhere in the United States. Simply CALL or TEXT 9-8-8 from any phone or device.
Mental Health
Austin Oaks Hospital - Contact Katherine Medlin, Community Liaison
512-626-0689
1407 West Stassney Lane
Austin, Texas 78745
Next Step Counseling and Education Center - Contact Staci Ulrich
361-572-0202
304 West Main Street
Weimar, Texas 78962
Bluebonnet Trails Community Services 979-968-3711
750 W. Travis Street
La Grange, Texas 78945
National Human Trafficking Resource Center
888-373-7888
Text “HELP” or “INFO” to 233733
24/7 Confidential hotline
National Human Trafficking Resource Center
Substance Abuse Mental Health Awareness National Helpline
800-662-HELP (4357)
24/7, English and Spanish–Support and referral for drug and alcohol services
Texas Child Health Access Through Telemedicine (TCHATT)
Learn about telemed services available for general care and mental health.
Domestic/Family Violence
Texas Health and Human Services Family Violence Program
800-799-SAFE (7233)
or
Telecommunications Device for the Deaf:
800-787-3224
Text “START” to 88788
Chat live online: thehotline.org