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Transforming Schools:
A Framework for Trauma‐Engaged Practice in
Alaska
Trauma‐Engaged Schools:
As Alaskans we are resilient and on the cutting edge of transforming schools together by supporting
the whole student and integrating trauma-engaged practices. New understanding into the impact
childhood trauma has on learning and behavior empower schools to provide affected students what they
need to succeed and to help break rather than inadvertently perpetuate the cycle of trauma.
About the Project
This framework was developed in response to requests from concerned Alaskans across the state. It is a collaborative project of the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development, First Alaskans Institute, Alaska Afterschool Network, Alaska Mental Health Board, Council on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, Alaska Child Trauma Center, and Association of Alaska School Board’s Initiative for Community Engagement. More than 200 community members, school board members, school staff, counselors, nurses, and administrators throughout the state contributed input and feedback.
DEED Contact:
Sharon Fishel
Transforming Schools Framework
Each chapter of this framework includes a story of a student or teacher. The example highlights common practices and transformative practices that consider trauma-engaged approaches. Each story is followed by relevant research and information, and suggested steps. Each chapter also provides essential reflection questions for school and district teams. These reflections can help be the building blocks for shared understanding and widespread integration of transformative practices.
Readers are encouraged to work through this framework with colleagues and community members, and to use the suggestions and reflections questions that feel most appropriate. To get started, readers only need an interest in learning, a commitment to student success, humility, and the spirit of collaboration.
Transforming Schools Toolkit
The vision of this toolkit is to help Alaska schools and communities integrate trauma-engaged practices and policies into their everyday activities in order to improve academic outcomes and well-being for all students. Improving student outcomes requires us to support the whole child, and to understand how trauma impacts a child's ability to learn and thrive.
Trauma Engaged Schools Research
Alaska educators and other youth service providers need strategies and systems to reduce the harmful effects of trauma and to increase the health and safety of children so they can better develop and learn. REL Northwest supported Alaska partners by conducting research, offering technical assistance, and creating dissemination materials. See the results below.
Exploring Implementation of Trauma Practices in Alaska Schools -A Snapshot
Exploring Implementation of Trauma Practices in Alaska Schools -Study
Exploring Implementation of Trauma Practices in Alaska Schools -Appendices
Trauma Engaged Schools Video Library
The Trauma-Engaged Schools Knowing to Doing Video Library offers over 50 peer-led and statewide experts’ short videos tied to the topics in the Framework. They are under 10 minutes and easily accessible for personal review or in a group setting to stimulate discussion.
Click for Videos
Social Media Campaign
The Transforming Schools messaging campaign aims to transform schools to be trauma engaged by promoting the use of the Transforming Schools Framework and Toolkit.
Calling all trauma engaged school champions to spread the word!
Professional Development Series
In the fall of 2020 AASB and DEED hosted a series of webinars featuring the Transforming Schools Framework and Toolkit. Those sessions were recorded and are available here.
Click for Recordings
Self-Care
Relationships
Family Partnerships part 1
Family Partnerships part 2
Deconstructing Trauma
Policy Considerations
Schoolwide Practices and Climate
Skill Instruction
Cultural Integration & Community Co Creation
Planning and Coordination of Schoolwide Efforts
Professional Learning
Support Services
Trauma Engaged Practices in Action Supporting Staff, Students and Families through COVID
Transforming Schools Quick Guide
Transforming Schools Quick Guide (Word)
DEED Online eLearning Courses
Overcoming Anxiety and Stress in Alaskan Schools
Overcoming ACEs in Alaskan Schools
Trauma-Engaged and Practicing Schools
Trauma-Sensitive Schools
Childhood Traumatic Grief
Classroom Practices
Emotional Intelligence
Family Partnerships
Mind-Body Connections
Restorative Practices in Education
Self-Regulation
Self-Care
Trauma-Engaged Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health
Other Alaska Resources
Adverse Childhood Experiences in Alaska
Economic Costs of Adverse Childhood Experiences in Alaska
National Websites
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Study
Center on the Developing Child Harvard University
National Center on Safe Supportive Learning Environments
The National Child Traumatic Stress Network
Trauma Sensitive Schools
Contact Information
Alaska Dept. of Education
& Early Development
Mailing Address
PO Box 110500, Juneau, AK 99811-0500
Physical Address
801 West 10th Street, Suite 200, Juneau, AK
Main Phone:
(907) 465-2800
Main Fax:
(907) 465-4156
Tech Team:
eed.tech@alaska.gov
More Contact Information
Teacher Certification
Phone:
(907) 465-2831
Fax:
(907) 465-2441
Email:
tcwebmail@alaska.gov
If you require assistance, please call DEED at
(907)
465-2800
or via TTY/Alaska Relay at 7-1-1 or
1-800-770-8973
, or email our tech team at
eed.tech@alaska.gov
. For more
information about accessibility at DEED, please visit our
accessibility page
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