Starr Commonwealth's eLearning Impact: COVID-19 Pandemic Response by Starr Commonwealth

eLearning Impact COVID-19 Pandemic Response Children of Trauma and Resililence & Trauma-Infomed Resilient Schools Courses May 2020 – August 2020 1

Our Mission Starr Commonwealth leads with courage to create positive experiences so that all children, families, and communities flourish.

Vision

Universal Hope, Boundless Love, and Limitless Success for all children.

13725 Starr Commonwealth Rd., Albion, MI 49224 800.837.5591 | info@starr.org | www.starr.org Starr Commonwealth is a nonprofit organization serving children and families regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, or sexuality. Starr Commonwealth is accredited by the Council on Accreditation. Founded in 1913, Starr Commonwealth is licensed by the state of Michigan. Starr Commonwealth’s Albion campus is a Michigan Historic Site. Starr Commonwealth receives funds from social agencies, foundations, corporations, and individuals.

Core Values We We We We We

see Greatness foster Healing find Courage promote Health are Oneness

Starr Commonwealth’s Theory of Change

When trauma-informed and resiliencefocused adults work within trauma-informed and resilience-focused systems, the wellbeing and success of children will increase.

In May 2020, Starr Commonwealth offered two eLearning courses at no cost: Trauma-Informed Resilient Schools and Children of Trauma and Resilience to reach as many individuals as possible during the COVID-19 global pandemic. This report highlights the impact of these courses on participants during the pandemic from May 2020 – August 2020. To date, over 100,000 professionals have taken the courses from across all 50 United States and 144 countries. Professionals who enrolled in these free eLearning courses were asked the question “How has this Starr course helped you in your role during the COVID-19 pandemic?” Starr’s Research and Evaluation Team reviewed thousands of qualitative, open-ended responses and conducted a multi-level content analysis (multiple rounds of searching for content) to identify the most relevant data that provide insights and capture multiple contexts. The responses were then coded and catego-

rized into five topics and highlighted in the following pages: 1. Connections and Relationships 2. Safety 3. Mindset 4. Strategies and Tools 5. Resilience Course participants were also asked to identify what Starr can do to help further support them in their role during the COVID-19 pandemic. A bulleted list of participants’ feedback concerning their needs from Starr within the context of the pandemic is included in this report. Finally, Starr’s Research and Evaluation Team pulled responses that can serve as course testimonials, which may be useful to Starr’s Advancement Team as well as other departments.

How has the Starr online courses helped you in your role during the COVID-19 pandemic?

RESILIENCE SAFETY

Connections &

Relationships

Mindset

Strategies & Tools

ABOUT THE eLEARNING COURSES

Trauma-Informed Resilient Schools (TIRS) teaches school professionals how to create trauma-informed schools and classrooms. The training focuses on resilience, exploring the core values and beliefs of educators, and places an emphasis on understanding how trauma impacts children and their school experience. Lastly, proactive strategies such as fostering connections, prioritizing social and emotional skills, establishing safety, and promoting play are presented. This course provides detailed information and concrete actions that answer not just the “why” but also the “how” to create the best classroom and school supports for traumatized students and the school professionals who serve them. Children of Trauma and Resilience (COTR) introduces participants to a trauma-informed and resilience-focused mindset and teaches participants about toxic stress and trauma, how to help process those experiences, and how to foster and nurture characteristics of resilience. This course begins with a strong focus on resilience and includes an exploration of how core values and beliefs direct the way professionals work with children. The four universal needs of all human beings as explained by the Circle of Courage model including belonging, mastery, independence, and generosity are explained and discussed. Participants learn about the experience of trauma as one that impacts a person’s body and shown a demonstration of trauma’s impact on the brain. Participants learn the importance of sensory-based interventions and how to assess a child’s private logic and universal needs. Finally, participants practice the development of trauma-informed and resilience-focused support plans for youth.

How has this Starr course helped you in your role during the COVID-19 pandemic?

CONNECTIONS & RELATIONSHIPS

“As a secretary, we don’t have many opportunities to take part in the professional development courses that the teachers and specialists participate in…I have had several parents cry on my shoulder and students that have needed someone to listen to them and often times I have been that sounding board. It’s important for all staff to be trained on how to handle these situations.” – Lead Secretary (TIRS)

“I am seeking additional courses to become an advocate of your program…As an educator, I have shared this course to many. It was a course that spoke to my heart. It encouraged me to reach out to my kids within my classroom during this pandemic. Some of their lives have to been unimaginable with this pandemic.” – Elementary School Teacher (TIRS)

“This course has helped me understand how the COVID-19 pandemic will be considered an adverse childhood experience….that trauma is not a incident but an experience...It has also helped me prepare to begin having conversations on letting teachers know it’s okay to go back to the basics and start with fostering relationships.” – Pre-K, 3-8 School Counselor (TIRS)

“I found the slide about school connectedness extremely powerful. This pandemic is affecting all children all over the world. We can’t begin to know the impact that it will have on our youth. Now, more than ever, we need to be aware of trauma. Teachers are the connection to school right now. Kids need to be connected and supported as much as possible through this time.” – 2nd Grade Teacher (TIRS) 5

How has this Starr course helped you in your role during the COVID-19 pandemic?

SAFETY

“COVID-19 has upended our world and we are all living a collective trauma. Additionally, the social justice movement is occurring [led] by Black Lives Matter. This period of time is uniquely transformative in many ways and this course provides a sort of framework to start to work through this experience. The principles described especially play and development of safe spaces is going to be so critical for our students and staff moving forward.” – Occupational Therapist (TIRS)

“I feel like I am better prepared to address the needs of my students and staff during this difficult time… Being able to adequately define trauma, understand the ways trauma can occur for each individual, how to address our students[‘] need for safety will help all of us better serve our students.” – Elementary School Counselor (TIRS)

“This course has helped me to prepare for my approach when my students return in the Fall following the COVID-19 pandemic because this has been a traumatic experience for a lot of students through losing their routines, their safe spaces to learn, contact [with] their friends and teacher. It will be beneficial to implement classroom meetings, safety procedures, play, and routines when students return to be trauma-informed and resilient focused.” – Special Education Teacher (TIRS) “This course helped me recognize…that the goal is to help move the children who have experienced trauma from “victim thinking” to “survivor thinking,” which leads to empowerment, choice, active involvement in their own healing process, and a renewed sense of safety and hope.” – School Counselor (TIRS)

“This has allowed me to further develop my understanding of stress/trauma and the impacts it has on our youth…I feel our student’s social-emotional health and well being will be at the forefront when we return to school. Children and families have felt fear and many families have experienced traumatic events (lost job, illnesses, possibly death). Children may also feel less safe at home when they can’t go to school, if their parents lost a job and can’t put food on the table, if they can’t see friends, etc. This course will help me to better evaluate circumstances, ask the right questions, and understand the larger impact of these events.” – School Psychologist (TIRS)

How has this Starr course helped you in your role during the COVID-19 pandemic?

MINDSET

“Trauma is already prevalent in my school. I know coming back from a 5-month break due to Covid-19, children will have experienced a lot more trauma than they typically would…This course helped me better prepare for the upcoming school year.” – School Staff (COTR)

“As a professional educator, this information is critically important to keep at the forefront of my mind in and out of the classroom....covid-19 or not. It will immediately help me empathize and keep that important mindset of wonder as I interact with my students from a distance.” – Teacher (TIRS)

“This course has been so informative and has touched my heart and spirit…As I reflect, I’m thinking of the times…that I didn’t do the right things…the times that I lost it, told a student to go stand by the door, or to leave the room, or called the hall monitor to have a student removed. This morning, I started writing notes to the students that I needed to touch base with and start making a new connection. These notes made it to the mailbox this morning. ” – Teacher (TIRS)

“I believe [this training has helped me to think more about what has happened to the children I work with rather than focusing as much on the actual behavior itself.” – 1/1 Special Education Instructional Assistant (TIRS)

“Currently, COVID-19 is creating world-wide trauma, so now as much as ever, if not more than ever, it’s imperative to move toward a more trauma-informed resilient school. The students of the world need us to be there and help them navigate this traumatic time, especially if they are dealing with other traumas as well. This Starr course has made me realize that changes in the fall need to be made and I look forward to sharing what I’ve learned so that as a school we can work toward supporting our students even better than before.” – Reading Interventionist (TIRS) 7

How has this Starr course helped you in your role during the COVID-19 pandemic?

STRATEGIES & TOOLS

“It has given me tools I need, as well as a knowledge base…to be trauma-informed in my role… The COVID-19 pandemic has allowed me to have actual time to sit, learn, and take all of this in. I have already used my newfound knowledge…as well as recommended that the principals I work with have staff/teachers use these trainings so that we are all trauma-informed.” – School Psychologist (COTR)

“I do see myself using this information to help schools and other practitioners understand the role trauma plays on how a child functions overall and in the school setting. I plan to use this information to help school teams create better intervention plans for students and families. I will also encourage colleagues to consider assessing for trauma signs and symptoms as a part of our overall pyschoeducational experience.” –School Staff (COTR) “I suspect it will be difficult to start next year after having had to complete distance learning for our last quarter this year…This difficulty will be even further exaggerated in my students that are level 2 and 3 trauma students…Knowing this information gives me tools to approach children with a different mindset and gives me things that I need to improve and work on to best reach those that are the most vulnerable and need the most intervention in terms of both academics and social/emotional skills.” – 4th Grade Teacher (TIRS) “I feel that the course has helped me to better prepare for our return to school for the new school year. I know that this pandemic has probably affected many of my students in negative ways. It has been a very stressful time for families…I’m already thinking about ways that I can meet students’ needs if they show signs of trauma. I also feel like this is great information for every teacher because we so often see the behaviors but don’t always recognize that it comes from their universal needs not being met.” –Teacher (COTR) “The group of students that I had last year and the ones I will have next year were affected by Hurricane Harvey, a major change in school and teachers during the middle of a year and now currently COVID-19. This course will help me this coming year by giving me skills to use to better know and understand each of my students and what they may be dealing with outside of school now or in the past. I know several students have been directly impacted by COVID and it will make me more aware when behaviors arise in my room and…different ways to deal with it when they do arise.” – 2nd Grade Teacher (TIRS) 8

How has this Starr course helped you in your role during the COVID-19 pandemic?

RESILIENCE

“Thanks to this training I feel I am much better prepared to help my teacher[s], students and their parents navigate through this new, unchartered territory as we work together to focus on resilience and getting back into a routine!” – Counselor (TIRS)

“This course has helped during the COVID-19 pandemic because it has changed my mindset on trauma…It has given me strategies to foster well-being by restoring and nurturing resilience. I think that the pandemic will cause stress in many of our learners and this course provides a great guideline to answer “How can I support this child?” for when we return to at school learning. Many of our kids will be struggling without the connections that school gives them.” – Educational Assistant (TIRS) “This course has reminded me [of] the importance and need for a calm and safe school for students to return to. Kindness and compassion for others is needed to help create an environment of healing, hope, and resilience for all (students and staff) as we have each experienced this pandemic differently.” – School Counselor (TIRS) “I’m engaging my brain, learning new skills and coping measures, and pausing to think about the core of working within the schools -- the kids. During this time, I’ve had the occasion to visit students at their homes, bringing food or school supplies, and the concept of resiliency has never been more present. Seeing some of the homes opened my eyes to where these student are coming from and why they react so strongly when given just a little positivity--a greeting by name, or a smile in the hallway.” – Activities/Athletics Administrative Assistant (TIRS) “This has helped me understand my own trauma and response much better. This has also helped me and the organization I work for really push the importance of play and resources to do so virtually…during this pandemic. Keeping kids active and opportunities for them to safely practice resilience, [and] social and emotional skills is critical during this time and will be for the aftermath…I hope I can use it to better foster healthy communities in schools, and to educate teachers on how to better create a safe place in their schools and encourage safe and healthy play more than ever.” – Site Coordinator (TIRS) 9

Testimonials for Trauma-Informed Resilient Schools eLearning Course “I can’t even begin to describe the personal and professional growth I feel.” – Paraeducator “I feel like this course has really made me think of individual students and how trauma has impacted them. I am going to reach out to my district. I truly feel this is a training everyone working with kids should have.” – Student Mentor/Social Worker “When COVID hit and [school] closure began, I thought it was even more important for my staff to be trauma-informed. All of my staff took this course and thoroughly enjoyed learning about trauma and the brain.” – Principal This course has given me a solid foundation to deal with students who will have experienced some level of stress due to the pandemic/early closing of schools as well as the on-going issues of how to continue their education while staying as safe as possible. – Elementary Teacher “I have completed a significant amount of professional development during the pandemic. The STARR courses are by far the most valuable information I have gained.” – Special Education Teacher “[I] sit on our district’s trauma-informed schools team and hope to be able to share some of this information to enhance our abilities to support schools, families, and students.” – Behavior Specialist “I encourage people to become certified through you…I believe your approach to trauma is the best. Your response to the pandemic and your generosity to reach out only proves it more.” – School Support Specialist “I usually hate online PD. But this was so easy to listen to and watch. I was engaged the entire time and can relate this to MANY of my students.” – Art Teacher “Starr is…doing a great job providing opportunities for self-study through accessible, easily digestible online courses.” – Teacher “We are looking for high quality online PD for schools to consider using over the remaining few weeks… This is one of the best I’ve seen and find it particularly helpful that it is asynchronous.” – Director, Scholar Services I appreciated all the videos and practical discussions about how to teach children about their own brains and how it relates to their emotions and coping skills.” – School Psychologist

Testimonials for Trauma-Informed Resilient Schools eLearning Course “I have completed a significant amount of professional development during the pandemic. The STARR courses are by far the most valuable information I have gained. I completed these courses as a teacher and student. I am currently working on my educational leadership certificate. This course will help me immensely if I become a school leader. I want to be in a trauma-informed school. These courses taught me how much I did not know! Thank you!” – Special Education Teacher “I have not been working through the pandemic but once school is back in session I know that I will have students affected by it. I am a music therapist and this course gave me lots of ideas on how to incorporate social and emotional regulation into my therapy sessions and group sessions.” – Music Therapist “The training has helped me to incorporate more play, engage in chats without academic expectations and make calls simply to check on [students] and to assess their needs so we can help meet them.” – Teacher “The COVID experience is a traumatic experience for many, inducing fear and anxiety. Therefore, this information regarding identifying trauma symptoms and implementing strategies to increase belonging and safety will help school staff in planning for returning to school this fall.” – School Psychologist “We are fully reopening our school so I prepared a presentation for my teachers based on this course. My principal agreed that we will be using Trauma-Informed and Resilience approach and we will reinforce the concepts throughout the school year.” – Middle School Counselor/Psychologist “The unknown of what children and families have experienced through the pandemic is going to play a huge role in children’s learning, socializing and family engagement in school. Taking time to understand this and approach [in] the new school year with a trauma-informed lens will help ease everyone back in and assist with becoming successful.” – Community Schools Coordinator “I know that children and their families have experienced trauma as a result of this pandemic. It is essential that our school staff get training in this area so that we can have a mindset of being trauma-informed and focus on resiliency to support our students and their families. The information that I learned will help me to move forward personally and professionally.” – School Counselor There is valid concern that the isolation and quarantine inherent in this pandemic will have the effect of increased traumatic experiences for students worldwide. This course has given me a foundation from which to begin my goal of being a trauma-informed and resilience-teaching educator.“ – 1st Grade Teacher

Testimonials for Children of Trauma and Resilience eLearning Course “As my role has shifted and changed over the course of the pandemic, this training has offered me huge opportunities to self-reflect, gain greater knowledge at my pace, and build confidence about my skills when I return to the childcare environment! Thank you so much.” – Public/Government Agency Staff “I am looking to become trauma certified through your trauma track as I feel there will be many students who will experience trauma reactions due to the pandemic.” – School Staff “I’m on the committee to enhance our School’s SEL training and create an Advisory program to help our students adjust to the myriad stresses of the pandemic. This has definitely given me a better understanding of what my students may have been experiencing and the outcomes we may be seeing in September.” – School Staff “This course helped me as a graduate student during the pandemic to meet educational/clinical requirements.” – Graduate Student “Working at a Boys & Girls Club, it was hard to stay connected to our families during the pandemic and still continues to be so. By taking this training, I feel that I am able to be more present for our members when they are having a difficult day and provide them with tools to help them implement the Circle of Courage.” – Organization Staff “[This course] reminded me to take my time with my students at the beginning of this upcoming school year… Some students may have experienced trauma, and if so they may react accordingly when they come to school or when they are learning from home…it’s best to be “curious” at all times.” – Teacher “I’m an Intern, as a Clinical and School Psychologist in a residential program for young kids…[what I learned] is going to help me see them in a completely different way.” – Intern “It has helped tremendously because I could take this course online rather than trying to travel and be present for an in-person training. I didn’t have to worry about social distancing or anything related to COVID-19 restrictions.” – School Staff “A number of our students have had a sick family member…this [course] information will help me help them when they return [to school].” – School Staff “This course has helped me have a better understanding of trauma, brain function, and resilience. Understanding these concepts will be helpful this school year as I work with children in the PBIS room… After taking this course I feel better equipped with the resources I need to help these children.” – School PBIS Staff “Many students may have increased trauma related experiences due to covid-19, this course is a tool to help understand how to help [students] most effectively.” – School Staff

How We Responded to the Need

FREE

Trauma-Informed Resilient Schools Online Course

• 1 12,334 professionals world-wide registered for our free trauma-informed, resilience-focused eCourses.

• 8 6 children served via telehealth in over 766 sessions.

2020 TRAUMA AND RESILIENCE CONFERENCE

• 1 ,021 professionals from 5 countries and 41 states attended our first-ever virtual trauma & resilience conference.

• T he creation of Dr. Caelan Soma’s latest book “Resilient Schools: Back to School During a Pandemic”. This book and its accompanying eCourse empower professionals to consider what’s most important as we face the trauma tsunami of COVID-19.

13725 Starr Commonwealth Rd. Albion, MI 49224-9525 800.837.5591 • 517.629.5591 • info@starr.org • www.starr.org Starr Commonwealth is a nonprofit organization serving children and families, regardless of race, religion, color, or national origin. Starr Commonwealth is accredited by the Council on Accreditation. Founded in 1913, Starr is licensed by the State of Michigan. The Albion campus is a Michigan Historic Site. Starr Commonwealth receives funds from social agencies, foundations, corporations, and individuals.

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Starr Commonwealth's eLearning Impact: COVID-19 Pandemic Response

Articles inside

Mindset

Strategies and Tools

Resilience

Safety

Connections and Relationships