Research Project Topics

Menu of Trauma-Informed Programs for Schools

Authors : Editorial Team

Many educators are seeking guidance to support students who have experienced trauma, particularly related to the opioid crisis. This resource was co-developed by the REL AP team and the Cross-State Collaborative to Support Schools in the Opioid Crisis (CCSSOC) and provides a list of interventions developed to address this specific need.

Common Trauma Symptoms in Students and Helpful Strategies for Educators

Authors : Editorial Team

Trauma can have a detrimental impact on students’ functioning in the school setting.1 Educators need tools to identify and support students who may have experienced or are currently experiencing traumatic stress. The front of this handout lists common trauma symptoms grouped into the following categories: physical, cognitive, social and emotional, language and communication, and learning. … Continue reading Common Trauma Symptoms in Students and Helpful Strategies for Educators

What a long, strange trip it’s been

Authors : Editorial Team

Going back to the classroom this year will be tough. That’s why we’re focusing on bringing you resources to help with recovery from all sorts of trauma.

Reflecting on a year of distance learning as teachers plan for school reopening

Authors : Maddie Cincebeaux , Kirby Chow

After over a full year of school closures, several teachers and school administrators are busy preparing for the long-awaited return to in-person classes this fall. But while worries of student learning-loss, momentum, and social-emotional well-being remain at the forefront of parent and school administrators’ concerns, the significant impact that this past year had on teachers cannot be overlooked.

Free professional development opportunity: how to support students and educators dealing with trauma

Authors : Elaine Mulligan , Maddie Cincebeaux

Join us and REL Appalachia on August 16-17, 11:00am – 4:00pm EDT. Between the ongoing opioid crisis and all of the ways that the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted students and families, educators’ number one learning need for the 2021-2022 school year is supporting students experiencing trauma

How a researcher learns from practice

Authors : Michelle Woodbridge

We know that research informs practice in education, but how does practice inform research? Dr. Michelle Woodbridge, one of our lead researchers, recently attended a webinar on supporting students impacted by racial stress and trauma. In our latest blog post, she shares her response to that learning experience (spoiler alert – it was intense!) and her commitment to practice being a better researcher.

A Study of “Discipline in the Secondary Classroom:” A Positive Approach to Behavior Management

Authors : Carl Sumi , Michelle Woodbridge

Efficacy study of Discipline in the Secondary Classroom, a positive and proactive approach to classroom management developed by Safe & Civil Schools conducted in 50 high schools in 2 states. Lead Investigators: W. Carl Sumi, Michelle Woodbridge Funder: U.S. Department of Education Dates: 2018-2023

Effectiveness Study of Tools for Getting Along, Teaching Students to Problem Solve

Authors : Editorial Team

Large-scale study of a social problem-solving curriculum in grade 4-5 classrooms of 60 elementary schools. » Read more about this project on SRI.com » Read the article: Effects of the Tools for Getting Along Curriculum on teachers’ reports of elementary students’ executive functions, social-emotional skills, and behavior problems Lead Investigators: W. Carl Sumi, Michelle Woodbridge … Continue reading Effectiveness Study of Tools for Getting Along, Teaching Students to Problem Solve

Project SECURE: Keeping Kids Safe in San Francisco Unified School District

Authors : Editorial Team

Implementation and evaluation study of trauma-informed universal (Second Steps), secondary (Bounce Back), and tertiary supports (districtwide behavior support team) in 30 elementary schools in one urban school district. Lead Investigators: W. Carl Sumi, Michelle Woodbridge Funder: National Institute for Justice Dates: 2017-2021

Efficacy Study of Foundations, School-wide Positive Discipline for Middle Schools

Authors : Editorial Team

Efficacy study of Foundations, a schoolwide positive and proactive behavioral intervention developed by Safe & Civil Schools conducted in 60 middle schools in 3 states. » Read more about this project on SRI.com Lead Investigators: W. Carl Sumi, Michelle Woodbridge Funder: U.S. Department of Education Dates: 2016-2021