Because childhood trauma increasingly impacts learning and academic engagement, it is important that classroom teachers gain important training and awareness regarding how to recognize and refer students who are trauma survivors.   I strongly recommend strengthening these requirements in the regulations, as new teachers receive only minimal information regarding trauama and its impact on learning. Specifically, I suggest the following language be added:

Sec. 8VAC20-23-130(1) and Sec. 8VAC20-23-190(1):  Following the words "substance abuse" and before the words "family disruptions," add "trauma, including child abuse and neglect and other adverse childhood experiences."

Sec. 8VAC20-23-130(3) and Sec. 8VAC20-23(190)(5): Add a sentence at the end of the paragraph as follows: "Approaches must also take into account the impact of trauma on the student, including child abuse and neglect and other adverse childhood experiences."