There is no question that student trauma is on the rise and some school professionals are part of the problem.
Studies and reports have highlighted this issue over the last few years for students of all ages. The U.S. Department of Education’s findings reveal that 10 million students are in schools with police but no social workers; 6 million students are in schools with police but no school psychologists; 3 million students are in schools with police but no nurses; and 1.7 million students attend schools with police but not counselors.
These voids are most prevalent in schools populated by Black students in low-income communities. With these abysmal statistics pulling at my heart, I feel compelled to share one disheartening example related to each.
A traumatized 2nd grader has no support from having a social worker
Several years ago, I was waiting in a principal’s office to conduct a professional development workshop. The office was disorganized, and staff were disgruntled and unwelcoming to students, families, and me. I observed and felt this during each visit (#sigh). Students were being administered the statewide proficiency test. A disheveled Black boy arrived late, rushing to sign in and frantically requesting to eat breakfast. The staff refused to assist the student with the admonishment that he should have arrived to school in time to eat. I intervened on behalf of this young child, requesting that he be fed. My request, too, was rejected and I was informed that it was illegal for me to give him any food. My heart was aching as much as his stomach was growling. (#tears)
As a mother, counselor, educator, and human, I was infuriated. This boy was hungry; focusing on the test and learning in general would be comprised. Just as troubling – this faultless, innocent second grader was homeless and/or transient and the bus went to the wrong school address. There is no question that he was traumatized, but there was no social worker to intervene, and compassion and humanity by educators were also absent.
A traumatized 4th grader has no support from having a nurse
