Trauma Sensitive Schools Professional Development

Overview

Trauma-sensitive schools recognize that trauma affects students, families, communities, and schools. Many children experience trauma amidst ongoing exposure throughout their early development, such as abuse, neglect, homelessness, or violence. Although not all exposure to trauma leads to difficulty in functioning, research tells us that exposure to trauma and toxic stress can lead to difficulties with learning and behavior. Schools are uniquely positioned to prevent and mitigate the impacts of traumatic exposure on students. Promoting trauma-informed school practices has the greatest potential to positively impact student outcomes, regardless of trauma history. By becoming a trauma-sensitive school, schools can become a protective factor for students’ and increase their social, emotional, and academic skills, while safeguarding the well-being of school personnel who strive to meet the unique needs of all learners.

Through online coursework via Canvas, the Trauma-Sensitive Schools Professional Development follows a Trauma-Skilled Schools Model (National Dropout Prevention Center, 2018) and is delivered in the following three phases:

• Phase 1: Trauma-Informed Learning Modules
• Phase 2: Trauma-Responsive Learning Modules
• Phase 3: Trauma-Sensitive Schools Implementation and Maintenance Learning Modules

Utah State Board of Education (USBE) Professional Learning Credit

Participants have the option to earn 0.5 USBE Professional Learning Credit for each phase completed. In accordance with the Utah Office of Administrative Rules R277-519-4: USBE Professional Learning Credit, attendees requesting professional learning credit will need to complete all coursework, including 2 hours of an independent learning assignment. If you choose not to complete all coursework, you will be ineligible to earn USBE Professional Learning Credit. Please also note that you cannot receive USBE credit if you do not have a Utah Educator Comprehensive Administration of Credentials for Teachers in Utah Schools (CACTUS) Identification number and Massively Integrated Data Analytics System (MIDAS) account.

Phase 1: Trauma-Informed Learning Modules

The Trauma-Informed Learning Modules are intended to:

• inform all school personnel (certified and classified) about the prevalence and impact of trauma and toxic stress in the lives of Utah students; and
• build capacity for individuals and schools who support students Pre-K through Grade 12.

At the completion of this training, participants will understand the impact of trauma and toxic stress as well as the short and long-term effects on student learning.

There will be three sections of the course offered throughout the year (Fall, Spring, and Summer). Each semester is a repeat, so participants will only need to register for one of the three semesters offered.

• Fall Semester: September - December 2021 (Coursework deadline is December 31, 2021)
• Spring Semester: January - April 2022 (Coursework deadline is April 30, 2022)
• Summer Semester: May - August 2022 (Coursework deadline is August 31, 2022)

This course is designed for you to work at your own pace. However, you must have everything submitted by the last day of the month for the section in which you are enrolled (December 31, 2021, April 30, 2022, or August 31, 2022). If this coursework is not completed by the deadline, you will be required to enroll in a later course. Course registration for each section will close 30 days prior to the deadline.

Instructions for Enrolling in Phase 1: Trauma-Informed Learning Modules

To begin the Trauma-Informed Learning Modules, you must self-enroll into the course by completing the following steps.

Fall: September - December 2021

1. If you already have a USBE Canvas account, go to Enroll in Trauma-Informed Learning Modules Fall 2021
2. If you do not have a USBE Canvas account, go to Create a Canvas Account to register.
1. Click on I'm a Student.
2. Enter the Join Code PXRHWT.
3. Complete the Student Sign Up Form. Check that you agree to the terms, and then click on Start Learning.

Spring: January - April 2022

Information coming soon.

Summer: May - August 2022

Information coming soon.

Phase 2: Trauma-Responsive Learning Modules

The Trauma-Responsive Learning Modules are a continuation of the Trauma-Informed Learning Modules (Phase 1) and are designed to move participants from a trauma-informed to a trauma-responsive approach.

The Trauma-Responsive Learning Modules are intended to:

• equip all school personnel (classified and certified) with trauma-responsive educational practices; and
• build capacity for individuals and schools who support students Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12.

At the completion of this training, participants will recognize the importance of schools as a sanctuary space that is rooted in trusting relationships between students and educators, prioritize proactive behavioral supports over-reactive disciplinary consequences, anticipate and respond to challenging student behaviors with de-escalation techniques, and align trauma-informed practices with other schoolwide initiatives.

There will be three sections of the course offered throughout the year (Fall, Spring, and Summer). Each semester is a repeat, so participants will only need to register for one of the three semesters offered.

• Section 1: September - December 2021 (Coursework deadline is December 31, 2021)
• Section 2: January - April 2022 (Coursework deadline is April 30, 2022)
• Section 3: May - August 2022 (Coursework deadline is August 31, 2022)

This course is designed for you to work at your own pace. However, you must have everything submitted by the last day of the month for the section in which you are enrolled (December 31, 2021, April 30, 2022, or August 31, 2022). If this coursework is not completed by the deadline, you will be required to re-enroll in a later course. Course registration for each section will close 30 days prior to the deadline.

Instructions for Enrolling in Phase 2: Trauma-Responsive Learning Modules

To begin the Trauma-Responsive Learning Modules, you must self-enroll into the course by completing the following steps. Note, Phase 1: Trauma-Informed Learning Modules is the prerequisite to Phase 2: Trauma-Responsive Learning Modules. Successful completion of Phase 1 is required before enrolling in Phase 2.

Fall: September - December 2021

1. If you already have a USBE Canvas account, go to Enroll in Trauma-Responsive Learning Modules Fall 2021
2. If you do not have a USBE Canvas account, go to Create a Canvas Account to register.
1. Click on I'm a Student.
2. Enter the Join Code XBHTHH.
3. Complete the Student Sign Up Form. Check that you agree to the terms, and then click on Start Learning.

Spring: January - April 2022

Information coming soon.

Summer: May - August 2022

Information coming soon.

Phase 3: Trauma-Sensitive Schools Implementation and Maintenance Learning Modules

Phase 3 is designed specifically for local education agency (LEA) leaders and building administrators. The purpose of this training is to assist administrators who want to move towards implementing practices that foster a trauma-sensitive school environment. This training is designed to give administrators the tools, knowledge, and framework necessary to move towards a sustainable, systemic approach for trauma-sensitive school practices.

Instructions for Enrolling in Phase 3: Trauma-Sensitive Schools Implementation and Maintenance

To begin the Trauma-Sensitive Schools Implementation and Maintenance Learning Modules, you must self-enroll into the course by completing the following steps. Note, this training is for local education agency (LEA) leaders and building administrators.

1. If you already have a USBE Canvas account, go to Enroll in Phase 3: Trauma-Sensitive Schools Implementation and Maintenance.
2. If you do not have a USBE Canvas account, go to Create a Canvas Account to register.
1. Click on I'm a Student.
2. Enter the Join Code 9Y4X84.
3. Complete the Student Sign Up Form. Check that you agree to the terms, and then click on Start Learning.

For technical assistance, please contact Tina Morandy, Course Facilitator, at tina.morandy@schools.utah.gov.