Lakeside has had the privilege of training organizations and schools in 51 counties within the State of Pennsylvania.
In that process we have learned much about systems of care and schools that want to be trauma-informed. We have met so many who are concerned for their students and other clients who have had some kind of trauma adversity or history.
In the past few months I was asked to provide information about trauma-informed schools in Pennsylvania by Research for Action. Our Neurologic Initiative has received wide acclaim in schools for the practical and school-based approach that we have developed in order to create trauma-informed schools and classrooms. Research for Action has been working on behalf of the Pennsylvania legislatures to create a research brief on trauma-informed schools. I was able to share our perspectives on this vital need. Other professionals in our state were also asked to contribute to this brief. Their brief has the following four components:
- Define childhood trauma and summarize existing research on its prevalence in Pennsylvania;
- Outline the relationship between trauma and student learning and behavior;
- Summarize the evidence about the characteristics and impact of trauma-informed education; and
- Highlight examples of trauma-informed approaches in Pennsylvania and elsewhere.
Here is the link to their brief and their website where you can download the entire research document.
I deeply appreciate this research authored by Rachel Comly and Mark Duffy. This research should be considered and utilized by every state that wants to set some criteria for trauma-informed schools.
We are truly excited that Pennsylvania is considering a mandate for all schools to become trauma-informed. We believe this will make a significant difference to every school and classroom environment in Pennsylvania and greatly improved the quality of life for students all throughout our state.
Gerry Vassar
President/CEO
