Building Trauma-Sensitive Schools Handout Packet - Handout 1 - Applying the Core Principles Worksheet

Oct 15, 2026

Building Trauma-Sensitive Schools Handout Packet provides downloadable staff resources for implementing a trauma-sensitive approach during professional development. It supports school-wide discussion, ongoing learning, and action planning by outlining practical tools for different roles. The included handout centers on core principles that guide daily operations, including staff understanding of trauma, relational healing, emotional and physical safety, holistic student support, cultural competence, empowerment, and collaboration. The worksheet prompts staff to reflect on current practice and identify next steps to strengthen a trauma-sensitive learning environment.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages58

Reading Time2 h 26 min

AccessFree to download

Introduction

Uses for Handouts

All staff handout

Applying the Core Principles Worksheet

Building Trauma-Sensitive Schools Handout Packet | Audience | \# | Handout Title | | --- | --- | --- | | All staff | 1 | APPLYING THE CORE PRINCIPLES WORKSHEET | | All staff | 2 | SECONDARY TRAUMATIC STRESS AND SELF-CARE PACKET | | All staff | 3 | MAPPING TRIGGERS AND OPPORTUNITIES ACTIVITY | | All staff | 4 | NAVIGATING CRISES WORKSHEET | | Student services staff | 5 | TRAUMA-SENSITIVE ASSESSMENT AND PLANNING CHECKLIST | | Student services staff | 6 | GUIDELINES FOR ADOPTING A MULTITIERED APPROACH TO
ADDRESSING TRAUMA | | All staff | 7 | SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL COMPETENCIES CHECKLIST | | All staff | 8 | STRATEGIES FOR COLLABORATION | | All staff | 9 | GUIDING QUESTIONS FOR POLICIES AND PROCEDURES | Building Trauma-Sensitive Schools Handout Packet ii Introduction This Handout Packet includes all of the downloadable resources found throughout the Building Trauma-Sensitive Schools online module. Each of these handouts is available for individual download as staff work through the module together during professional development events. Most handouts are relevant to all school staff and two handouts are tailored to student services staff conducting student assessments or evaluations and providing services to students. Uses for Handouts School leaders may use the handouts while viewing the Building Trauma-Sensitive Schools Module to support continued discussion related to particular topics and to further staff learning about how to apply a trauma-sensitive approach across roles. School administrators and trauma-sensitive work groups can revisit the handouts as you begin to create your action plans for adopting a trauma-sensitive approach. The Action Guide component of this training package includes suggestions for how handouts may be helpful for action planning. School administrators and trauma-sensitive work groups can also use the handouts as part of ongoing professional development activities related to trauma sensitivity. It can be helpful to revisit the handout content at a later date to reinforce particular concepts. Building Trauma-Sensitive Schools Handout Packet 1 All staff handout 1. Applying the Core Principles Worksheet Trauma-sensitive schools are grounded in a set of core principles that inform daily school operations. Schools that embody these core principles: a) have staff who understand trauma and its impact; b) believe that healing happens in relationships; c) ensure emotional and physical safety for all; d) view students holistically; e) support choice, control, and empowerment for students, staff, and families; f) strive for cultural competence; and g) use a collaborative approach. Existing culture and practice across your school or district may already reflect these principles, or the core principles may represent a more significant shift. Consider how you currently integrate the core principles into daily practice and what more can be done to support a trauma-sensitive learning environment. 1. Understand trauma and its impact. In a trauma-sensitive school, all staff share a common understanding of trauma and its impact on students, families, and staff and a joint mission to create learning environments that acknowledge and address the effects of trauma on school success. Here’s how my school currently integrates an awareness and understanding of trauma and its impact into daily practice: __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ Here’s how I currently integrate an awareness and understanding of trauma and its impact into my daily work: __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ Here’s what I think we

FAQs

What is the purpose of the Building Trauma-Sensitive Schools handout packet?

It consolidates downloadable resources from the online module so staff can discuss key topics, deepen learning, and use the materials for action planning and ongoing professional development.

Which core principles guide a trauma-sensitive school in Handout 1?

The handout lists principles including staff understanding of trauma, healing through relationships, emotional and physical safety, holistic views of students, cultural competence, empowerment and shared choice, and a collaborative approach.

How does the worksheet in Handout 1 help staff apply the principles?

It prompts reflection on how the school currently integrates trauma awareness and relationships, how safety is upheld, and what additional steps the team can take to strengthen a trauma-sensitive learning environment.

Oct 15, 2026

Upload by Alex Sinclair