Supporting Students with Adverse Childhood Experiences Within the Classroom

Abstract

ACEs have the potential to cause lifelong negative impacts on the person who has experienced. These effects include but are not limited to: 1. Health Issues a. Obesity b. Diabetes c. Depressions d. Suicide Attempts 2. Behavior a. Smoking b. Alcoholism c. Drug Use 3. Graduation Rates 4. Academic Achievement 5. Lost Time for Work (CDC, 2020) These effects have the potential to impact the classroom by causing impaired relationships, additional pressure on the stress system, and impacted brain development. However, there are research-based interventions that can support and help to negate the effects of these ACEs. Through personal interviews it became apparent that the following research validated approaches should be implemented when working with students who have experienced ACEs: 1. Starting with Yourself 2. Education on Trauma Informed Practices 3. A Team Approach 4. Understanding the Why Behind Behaviors 5. Building Positive and Trusting Relationships 6. Developing the positive attributes, the student already possesses Therefore, all stakeholders involved in a child’s education should work in a collaborative manner to ensure implementation of these strategies.