Trauma-Informed Practices in Rural Education

Authors

  • Dr. Lauren Davis Montana State University
  • Dr. Rebecca Buchanan Emory & Henry College

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3776/tpre.v10n1p24-41

Keywords:

trauma, rural education, adverse childhood experiences, yoga, stress

Abstract

The overall wellness and well-being of today’s youth are of concern owing to high levels of stress, as well as other mental and physical health issues.  Academic success can be negatively impacted because of the interconnectivity of these issues, along with traumatic childhood experiences and high numbers of adverse childhood experiences. In rural areas, these issues can be even more pronounced owing to issues related to socioeconomic status and high rates of poverty. Therefore, it is important to explore interventions in the educational setting that could mitigate the negative impact of these challenges. This pilot study examined the relationship between a trauma-informed approach incorporating yoga/mindfulness and academic, social, and emotional behaviors among fourth graders in a rural academic setting. Student and teacher pre- and postintervention survey data indicate the intervention had academic, social, and emotional benefits.

Author Biographies

Dr. Lauren Davis, Montana State University

Lauren Davis, EdD, is assistant professor of curriculum and instruction for Montana State University and former education department chair and director for the Neff Center for Teacher Education at Emory and Henry College in Emory, Virginia. Prior to her work in higher education, Dr. Davis was a middle school teacher and building-level administrator in North Carolina. She earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education, her master’s degree in middle grades education (both at Appalachian State University), and her doctoral degree in educational leadership and policy analysis at East Tennessee State University. Her research interests revolve around middle-level and high school students and how trauma and poverty impact student achievement, especially in rural contexts.

Dr. Rebecca Buchanan, Emory & Henry College

Rebecca Buchanan, PhD, is associate professor in the Department of Health and Human Performance at Emory and Henry College in Emory, Virginia. She also serves as the education division chair and director for the Neff Center for Teacher Education. She earned her master of science degree in sport management and her PhD in education from the University of Tennessee. Her research interests include the link between cognition and physical activity as well as trauma-invested practices and resilience in education. She has traveled throughout the United States and several countries, including Russia, Argentina, Scotland, Canada, Japan, and Greece, for both athletic and academic endeavors.

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Published

2020-06-17

How to Cite

Davis, L. ., & Buchanan, R. . (2020). Trauma-Informed Practices in Rural Education. Theory & Practice in Rural Education, 10(1), 24–41. https://doi.org/10.3776/tpre.v10n1p24-41