Educational Trauma
In 2011, Dr. Lee-Anne Gray introduced the concept of Educational Trauma to explain the pervasive trauma she witnessed as a clinical and forensic psychologist. Educational Trauma is the inadvertent perpetration and perpetuation of cyclical and systemic harm in schools. Educational Trauma is a range of events falling on a spectrum, with events impacting communities spreading a sense of helplessness and feelings of dis-empowerment ranging from mild to severe. Poor communities, and people of color are most vulnerable to and impacted by Educational Trauma.
The Spectrum of Educational Trauma
Testing & Grade/Age based
Standardized Curricula
Testing & Grade/Age based
Standardized Curricula
Bullying of/by: Educators
Bullying of/by:
Students
Special and Gifted
Education
ADHD & the use of stimulant medication
The
School-to-Prison
Pipeline
Signs & Symptoms of Educational Trauma
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Resistance to school tasks and assignments
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Low self-esteem
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School refusal
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Eating disorders
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Feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, and powerlessness
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Aggressive behavior
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Disruptive behavior
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Explosive behavior
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Suicidal and/or homicidal ideation
Diagnoses that embody symptoms of Educational Trauma:
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Generalized Anxiety Disorder
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Major Depressive Disorder
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Learning Disabilities
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Disorders of communication, such as Receptive and Expressive Language Disorders and Selective Mutism.
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Conduct Disorder
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Attention Deficit Disorder/Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
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Intermittent Explosive Disorder
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Somatic Problems
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Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder