School professionals are increasingly being asked to work with highly complex students who have experienced chronic trauma. In these situations, conventional approaches to academics, behavior, and relationship-building can feel frustrating and sometimes counterproductive. This workshop and course will focus on the impact of chronic trauma on the developing child, including an in-depth exploration of the neurobiology of stress. Contemporary research, as well as educational and clinical practice, have helped clarify the expansive effects of chronic trauma. These effects are often referred to as the “Seven Domains of Impairment” (National Child Traumatic Stress Network). We will study these Seven Domains - with an eye towards their application in the school system - and focus on ways to transform knowledge into action. The interventions and strategies will be compatible with, and build upon, many current initiatives designed to support a positive school culture and climate.

Graduate course participants will:
· Increase their knowledge of the impact of traumatic stress on a child.
· Learn and apply the “Seven Domains of Impairment” to their work setting.
· Increase their understanding of the neurobiology of stress, use dependence, and vicarious trauma.
· Increase their understanding of the unique and innovative strategies necessary to address traumatic stress.
· Study and implement various models of buffering the effects of ongoing stress to help improve a student’s resilience and accountability.
· Engage in advanced practice skills through the use of role plays, vignettes, and case consultations.
· Learn basic tenets of organizational change and effective treatment models in the field of trauma transformation.
· Develop their own training module for their school/program/department.