Step 4 and Step 5 define the processes for Assessment, Implementation, Maintenance, and Validation of the of the Trauma-Skilled Schools Model. This course highlights the strengths of different methods of implementation of the model and outlines how to earn and maintain Trauma-Skilled Schools certification for a school or district.

Step 3 of the Trauma-Skilled Schools Model develops individual skills that can be used to respond to the effects of chronic stress and trauma. Categorized as skills related to Prevention, Intervention, Recovery, and Referral, the course covers preventing negative manifestations, intervention techniques and identification of danger zones, basic de-escalation, and the use internal and external referral resources.

The Trauma-Skilled Schools Model Step 2 explains the value of managing stress and trauma and of building a culture that fosters the development of five resilience factors that leads to success in the classroom and in life. Emphasizing that culture must be systemic, intentional, and consistent, this course focuses on developing five resilience factors: Connection, Security, Achievement, Autonomy, and Fulfillment.

Increasing educator knowledge is Step 1 of Trauma-Skilled Schools and focuses on the effects of chronic stress and trauma on brain development and behavior and how these effects manifest in the classroom. It establishes the baseline language that all staff need for understanding and effective classroom management. The course examines the effectiveness of Trauma-Skilled as a Tier 1 strategy.

This course gives an overview of the process for building a trauma-skilled plan that fits your school or district and how to implement and maintain the plan. Designed as an introduction to the Trauma-Skilled Schools Model, the course previews content from each of the five steps outlined in the model itself. Current systems are examined and the need for a trauma-skilled educator training is addressed.