The Tennessee Department of Education has selected 13 Hamilton County schools to participate in its second cohort of trauma-informed schools.
Trauma-informed schools are schools in which adults in the school community are prepared to recognize and respond to those who have been impacted by traumatic stress. Those adults include administrators, teachers, staff and parents.
Trauma-informed schools also provide students with clear expectations and communication strategies to manage their distress.
“I commend our school leaders and teachers for applying for this opportunity and committing to the three-year process of creating safe and supportive learning environments for our students,” says Patricia Russell, director of social emotional learning and K-12 counseling for Hamilton County Schools. “When a student’s basic needs are met, such as feeling safe, cared for and respected, they are positioned to reach their full potential.”
Research shows the benefits of implementing trauma-informed approaches include improved academic achievement, improved attendance, improved school climate, improved retention of new teachers and reduced dropout rate, a Hamilton County Schools news release states.
These practices will also help students build capacity to address trauma and support their ability to self-regulate.
“In order to accelerate student achievement, we must ensure all of our students’ needs are met so they can thrive in the classroom,” says Dr. Bryan Johnson, superintendent of Hamilton County Schools. “When schools are trained to recognize trauma, they are better equipped to provide the academic and social and emotional supports necessary to help students reach their full potential.”
Four Hamilton County Schools were selected to be in the first cohort of trauma-informed schools during the 2018-2019 school year: Apison Elementary, East Lake Academy, Hardy Elementary and Middle Valley Elementary. This brings the total number of schools in the trauma-informed program to 17 across the district.
The schools in the 2021-2022 cohort are:
• Battle Academy for Teaching & Learning
• Big Ridge Elementary
• Dalewood Middle School
• East Brainerd Elementary
• East Ridge Middle School
• East Side Elementary School
• Harrison Elementary
• Hixson Middle School
• Lookout Valley Elementary
• Orchard Knob Elementary
• Red Bank Middle School
• Snow Hill Elementary
• Spring Creek Elementary
Source: Hamilton County Schools