Why are ACEs relevant to those who work in Education?
Children, adolescents and adults who experienced trauma and/or adversity as a child, are likelier to experience educational challenges then people who haven't. Research suggests that learners who have experienced a significant number of ACEs are more likely to underperform on literacy and numeracy, have higher rates of absenteeism and may face challenge in connecting with teachers and other pupils. They are also at higher risk of being excluded and are more likely to leave school without qualifications. As educational attainment is a key factor in later socio-economic position, ACEs are a relevant factor in the maintenance of social inequality in society. Teachers and College and University lecturers are therefore of vital significance in addressing the impacts of ACEs and an awareness of the potential impacts of trauma and adversity on the young people with whom they come into contact is the first step.
ACEs in Education
In September 2022, Advocates for ACEs hosted Gerry Diamond, nurture expert and mindfulness lead, to talk about ACEs in Education. Listen to the talk here.
Resources
Videos
Gail Nowek from Education Scotand talks about the importance of trauma informed education in schools
UK Trauma Council I Childhood trauma and the brain
Research articles
Goodall, K., Robertson, H. & Schwannauer, M. (2002). The relationship between adverse childhood experiences and educational disadvantage: A critical perspective. 29(4), 493-501.
Evans, A., Hardcastle, K., Bandyopadhyay, A., Farewell, D., John, A.,. Lyons, R.A., Long, S., Bellis, M.A. & Paranjothy, S. (2020). Adverse childhood experiences during childhood and academic attainment at age 7 and 11 years: an electronic birth cohort study. (2020). Public Health, 189, 37-47. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.puhe.2020.08.027
Reports
Education Scotland. National Improvment Hub. Nurture, Adverse Childhood Experiences and Trauma informed practice: Making the links between these approaches. March 03, 2021.
Resources
The NES National Trauma Training Programme Resources
Find out whay trauma is everyone's business
NES National Trauma Training Programme
You can also access resources to help you develop knowledge and skills to supprot a 'Trauma-skilled' practice. You will need to register with TURAS Learn to access the first of these resources, but anyone with an email address, no matter what their location or role is, can register free of charge.
Developing your trauma-skilled practice