Are we there yet?
Understanding if we have reached our ‘destination’ is becoming an ever more present question for schools on the path towards becoming trauma-informed. How do we measure success? How do we know when we have reached the goals and outcomes that will signify we are a trauma-informed school?
As with most long trips, it is as much about the journey as the destination. Becoming a trauma-informed school or district is not a program to be implemented; it is a strategy or approach that encompasses many different aspects of the school system. It requires a paradigm shift in the way we think about school culture and climate, discipline, teaching and learning, staff professional development, budgeting, policy, and so much more. Being a trauma-informed system prioritizes safety, relationships, and a compassionate restorative culture and climate.
This can be a big shift from the previous way of doing things. Creating this kind of fundamental change in school culture, climate, and systems takes time and intention. Most research agrees that sustainable change in a school takes 3-5 years minimum with consistent commitment towards a shared vision; this is no different for the journey to become a trauma-informed school. The good news is that schools are already collecting lots of data that can guide us on our journey.
To learn more about measurement tools schools can use and see how SAMHSA's 6 Guiding Principles of Trauma Informed Care manifest in a school setting see the attached document below I created for SAMHSA.
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