Improving Academic Experiences of K-12 Students Through Trauma-Informed Practices

Adverse childhood experiences, also known as ACEs are being identified in K-12 schools. ACEs can be described as abuse, neglect, and trauma that negatively affects the child. It has been shown that ACEs can lead to mental and physical health impairments and can physically change the brain. This can cause barriers to learning and academic achievement. In my master’s project, I address this problem. I also provide literature that supports the benefits of educators being trauma informed, with Cognitive Behavioral Theory and Gestalt Theory as a guide. Finally, I created a professional development presentation for educators to become aware of trauma and its effects on students. The purpose of my project is to show the relevance of identifying children with adverse childhood experiences. In schools all over the world there are children who are dealing with, or have dealt with trauma. I chose this topic because of my personal experiences working in K-12 education and the role that I have currently that can help students facing this issue