Spaces of Healing and Empowerment: Creating Safe and Trauma-Free Schools for Our Youth

• In Event: New Insights on Restorative and Trauma-Centered Approaches

Abstract

This paper illustrates the damaging effects of the school-to-prison (STPP) pipeline on real people and highlights school programs that are successfully mitigating it. The paper is the culmination of three research studies conducted over five years. First, we examine the effects of the STPP on one family. Next, we analyze the success of two “dropout recovery” high schools using innovative, culturally sustaining, student centered programs. We describe five key qualities that these schools share and suggest possibilities for implementing these qualities in other settings. We conclude with our own theory of “pedagogical and institutional plasticity,” an overarching framework for creating safe, trauma free schools, spaces of healing and empowerment for all youth, particularly those who have been historically marginalized.

Authors

• Joseph D. Lewis, Hamline University
  Presenting Author

• Letitia Basford, Hamline University
  Presenting Author