Trauma Sensitive Courses

Trauma Sensitive Courses

Overview

Trauma-sensitive schools recognize that trauma affects students, families, communities, and schools. Many children experience trauma amidst ongoing exposure throughout their early development, such as abuse, neglect, homelessness, or violence. Although not all exposure to trauma leads to difficulty in functioning, research tells us that exposure to trauma and toxic stress can lead to difficulties with learning and behavior. Schools are uniquely positioned to prevent and mitigate the impacts of traumatic exposure on students. Promoting trauma-informed school practices has great potential to positively impact student outcomes, regardless of trauma history. By becoming a trauma-sensitive school, schools can become a protective factor for students’ and increase their social, emotional, and academic skills, while safeguarding the well-being of school personnel who strive to meet the unique needs of all learners.

Through online coursework via Canvas, the Trauma-Sensitive Schools Professional Learning follows a Trauma-Skilled Schools Model (National Dropout Prevention Center, 2018) and is delivered in the following three courses:

  • Course 1: Becoming Trauma-Informed Learning Modules
    • informs all school personnel (certified and classified) about the prevalence and impact of trauma and toxic stress in the lives of Utah students.
    • builds capacity for individuals and schools who support students Pre-K through Grade 12
  • Course 2: Trauma-Informed Practices Learning Modules
    • equips all school personnel (classified and certified) with trauma-informed educational practices.
    • builds capacity for individuals and schools who support students Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12.
  • Course 3: Trauma-Sensitive Schools Implementation and Maintenance Learning Modules
    • intended specifically for local education agency (LEA) leaders and building administrators.
    • builds capacity for administrators in moving towards a sustainable, systemic approach for trauma-sensitive school practices.

Utah State Board of Education (USBE) Professional Learning Credit

Participants have the option to earn 0.5 USBE Professional Learning Credit for completing courses 1 and 2. In accordance with the USBE Administrative Rules R277-315: Educator Professional Learning Procedures and USBE Credit, attendees requesting professional learning credit will need to complete all coursework, including 2 hours of an independent learning assignment. If you choose not to complete all coursework, you will be ineligible to earn USBE Professional Learning Credit. Please also note that you cannot receive USBE credit if you do not have a Utah Educator Comprehensive Administration of Credentials for Teachers in Utah Schools (CACTUS) Identification number and Massively Integrated Data Analytics System (MIDAS) account.

Registration Information/Instructions 

There will be three sections of the courses offered throughout the year (Fall, Spring, and Summer). Each semester is a repeat, so participants will only need to register for one of the three semesters offered.

  • Fall Semester: September – December 2025 (Coursework deadline is December 31, 2024)
  • Spring Semester: January – April 2025 (Coursework deadline is April 30, 2025)
  • Summer Semester: May - August 2025 (Coursework deadline is August 31, 2025)

The courses are designed for you to work at your own pace. However, you must have everything submitted by the last day of the month for the section in which you are enrolled (December 31, April 30, or August 31). If the coursework is not completed by the deadline, you will be required to enroll in a later course. Course registration for each section will close 30 days prior to the deadline.

Instructions for Enrolling in Course 1: Becoming Trauma-Informed Learning Modules

To begin the Becoming Trauma-Informed Learning Modules, you must self-enroll into the course by completing the following steps.

Fall: September 2024 - December 2024

  1. Click on I'm a Student.
  2. Enter the Join Code HFN89G.
  3. Complete the Student Sign Up Form. Check that you agree to the terms, and then click on Start Learning.

Instructions for Enrolling in Course 2: Trauma-Informed Practices Learning Modules

To begin the Trauma-Informed Practices Learning Modules you must self-enroll into the course by completing the following steps. 

Note: Course 1: Becoming Trauma-Informed should be completed prior to enrolling in Course 2: Trauma-Informed Practices.  

Fall: September 2024 - December 2024

  1. Click on I'm a Student.
  2. Enter the Join Code 9WKEWP.
  3. Complete the Student Sign Up Form. Check that you agree to the terms, and then click on Start Learning.

Course 3: Coming soon