Since the original CDC-Kaiser ACE Study was published in 1998, a robust body of research has demonstrated the strong impact of childhood trauma on health outcomes, including disease, disability, and early death. We also know that Central Oregon youth tend to experience more ACEs than their counterparts in the rest of Oregon. According to the 2014 Oregon Student Wellness Survey, Central Oregon students experienced at least six ACEs, which was significantly higher than the state average. Building resilience is one way to improve outcomes and counter ACEs (Bellis, Hughes, Ford, et al. 2018). This initiative aims to build resilience and ensure appropriate supports and training for students and staff.
"I need to remind myself to look for the invisible baggage students may be carrying, which results in their behavior."
"I want to remember to ask how they are doing and remind them that I am there for them."
"This was one of the more informative trainings I've done. It really made a positive impact on how I view these topics."
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- This project aims to build capacity and expertise across Central Oregon to strengthen a trauma-informed culture in the educational system.
- The program was implemented by High Desert ESD.
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The project attempted to:- Develop schools where all teachers and staff are equipped with the skills, tools, and mindsets to nurture resilience for students and staff impacted by trauma.
- Foster school environments where students have stronger, caring connections with adults.
- Reduce exclusionary behavior, referrals, suspensions, and expulsions.
- Increase student attendance, resilience, and achievement.
- Reduce poor childhood health outcomes.
- Develop schools where all teachers and staff are equipped with the skills, tools, and mindsets to nurture resilience for students and staff impacted by trauma.
Partnered with 13 priority schools and consulted with a variety of educational organizations.
Facilitated 27 trainings across Central Oregon.
Impacted up to 8,000 students and staff within the first half of the 2019-2020 school year.
Created a systematic, tiered approach to supporting schools and community partners across the Central Oregon region to develop and implement Cultures of Care.
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- Culture of Care work has extended across the region with positive outcomes.
- This work is in progress, and we're still learning about the successes and challenges.
The coaches work one-on-one and in small teams with schools and district leadership to build relationships, leverage partnerships, navigate sensitive issues and develop systematic goals.
The response from survey data and informal feedback has been overwhelmingly positive and indicated demand for coaches' time and expertise across K-12 settings.
Goals range from improving staff wellness to revising policies and procedures with a trauma-informed care lens.
Culture of Care partnerships increase school systems' awareness of trauma and helping implement trauma-sensitive, restorative, and equitable strategies.