Schools
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Understanding The Impact of Trauma on Learning
Studies over the last twenty years have identified a critical link between academic achievement, exposure to community violence and other Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES) with:
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lower grade-point average (GPA)
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higher school absenteeism
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increased incidences of suspension and expulsion
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decreased rates of high school graduation
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decreased reading ability
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greater involvement with the criminal system than that of their peers
Adverse Childhood Experiences include:
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physical, sexual, or emotional abuse
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physical or emotional neglect
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a family member who is depressed or diagnosed with other mental illness, addicted to alcohol or another substance, or in prison
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witnessing a mother being abused
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losing a parent to separation, divorce
Furthermore, a single adverse experience or traumatic event can cause:
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anger
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mood swings
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social withdrawal
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concentration and memory difficulties
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intrusive thoughts
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interrupted sleep
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nightmares
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fall behind in school
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fail to develop healthy relationships with peers
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create problems with teachers and principals.
Research indicates that there is more to student success than cognitive ability, curriculum, and instruction. A student’s social emotional character and overall school climate can powerfully affect whether students learn and thrive in schools and in their communities.
All school stakeholders (students, parents, staff, and community) can make a difference when it comes to student social-emotional development and overall school climate.