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

 

• Resistance to school tasks and assignments

• Low self-esteem

• School refusal

• Eating disorders

• Feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, and powerlessness

• Aggressive behavior

• Disruptive behavior

• Explosive behavior

• Suicidal and/or homicidal ideation

 

 

Diagnoses that embody symptoms of Educational Trauma:

• Generalized Anxiety Disorder

• Major Depressive Disorder

• Learning Disabilities

• Disorders of communication, such as Receptive and Expressive Language Disorders and Selective Mutism.

• Conduct Disorder

• Attention Deficit Disorder/Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

• Intermittent Explosive Disorder

• Somatic Problems

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder