In the United States, at least one in four youth experiences trauma severe enough to negatively affect their school success.* Give hope and help to these students with this reader-friendly how-to guide, your springboard for building responsive, trauma-sensitive preK–12 schools.

Drawing on her extensive experience as a school counselor, trainer, and mother, trauma expert Jen Alexander delivers acomprehensive framework for building a safe, supportive school environmentthat helps all students learn and thrive. You'll start with an evidence-based introduction to the profound impact of trauma on a child's development, attachment, and behavior. Then you'll get an effectivemulti-tier system of support(MTSS) for developing a trauma-sensitive learning environment, including both universal strategies (Tier 1) and more intensive interventions (Tier 2 and Tier 3) for students who need more support. Compelling anecdotes and sample scripts illuminate challenges and solutions, and the included forms and worksheets are valuable tools for helping educators build the mindset and skills necessary for becoming trauma-sensitive. With this engaging, highly practical guide to what works and why, your school team will gain insights and develop action plans that make a real difference in the lives of all kids, including our most vulnerable youth.

• makefive key shifts in the way you view and approach students, so that youâ⬙re better equipped to support them
• work together to prioritize resilienceby actively putting relationships first in your school
• implementuniversal instructional strategiesthat foster safety, connection, regulation, and learning for all students
• usespecial supports, supplemental instruction, andcoachingwhen universal strategies aren't enough
• collaborate effectivelywith families and colleagues to meet each student's needs
• incorporaterestorative discipline practicesthat focus on restitution, not retribution
• create apersonalized self-care planto promote wellness and reduce the effects of job-related stress

PRACTICAL MATERIALS:Creative activities for teachers, powerful case stories, sample dialogues and scripts for educators and counselors, reflection and brainstorming worksheets, downloadable forms, and templates and handouts for use with students.

• Feel safe
• Be connected
• Get regulated
• Learn