MA Congresswoman Clark files Trauma-Informed Schools Act of 2019 to amend ESEA

This post was published by MAC’s Trauma and Learning Policy Initiative, a collaboration with Harvard Law School whose mission is to ensure that children impacted by family violence and other adverse childhood experiences succeed in school. Click here to see the original post.

By Trauma Learning Policy Initiative

Massachusetts Congresswoman Katherine Clark, along with Congressmen Mike Quigley (D-IL) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), recently introduced the Trauma-Informed Schools Act of 2019.

If enacted, this legislation would for the first time, define “trauma-informed practices” in the Elementary and Secondary Education Act to include professional development; trauma-informed programs, supports and services; positive approaches to discipline that address underlying causes of behavior, including trauma; and a planning process to help all students feel safe and connected to the school community and promote a school-wide culture of acceptance. The legislation would also require state plans to include ways local education agencies will support efforts to increase the prevalence of trauma-informed practices, as well as require that a description of how the State education agency will use its funds to increase trauma-informed practices.

To read Congresswoman Clark’s press release, including a list of over 50 endorsing organizations, please click here.

To read the full text of the legislation, please click here.