Full Description
This book bridges the research-to-practice gap by providing clear, evidence-based strategies to enable and advance trauma-informed practices for teachers, school leaders, and student support professionals.
Drawing on innovative research, the book explores key trauma-informed practice principles and their practical application. Core topics include a deep dive into the latest research about how trauma and stress impact children and young people in the education setting, including observable and invisible physical responses, relationships and attachment, learning and executive function, and interventions such as supportive policies, routine, music, and movement. Each chapter combines research insights with practical recommendations and real-world case studies, supporting educators in translating theory into effective practice. By explaining the what, why, and how of trauma-informed practices and policies in schools, the book makes the science and practice of trauma-informed education accessible, actionable, and meaningful.
Comprehensive, evidence-informed, and deeply practical, this is an essential guide for school leaders, educators and preservice students committed to building safe, supportive, and trauma-responsive school communities.
Contents
List of Contributors
Foreword
1. Introduction and Background
2. Anatomy of Trauma
3. Understanding Behavior Through a Trauma-Informed Lens: A Framework for Educators
4. Healing Connections: Addressing Interpersonal Trauma Through Belonging and Trauma-Informed Practice
5. Teachers, Burnout and Wellbeing
6. Designing School-Built Environments for Trauma-Informed Education
7. Systemic Harms Call for Systemic Healing: Trauma-informed Systems of Care for Black Students
8. Parents, Caregivers and School Trauma-Informed Practice
9. Trauma-informed Partnerships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples
10. Effects of Music, Music Interventions and Trauma
11. Multi-disciplinary Partnering in School-Based Trauma-Informed Active Play
12. An Ecological Approach to Measurement: Trauma-Informed Schools
13. Conclusion and Future Directions
Index
