Creating Inclusion and Well-Being for Marginalized Students: Whole-School Approaches to Supporting Children's Grief, Loss, and Trauma

It is increasingly challenging for teachers to educate without a deeper understanding of the experience of their students. This is particularly the case in marginalised groups of young people who are subject to loss, grief, trauma and shame. Through a snapshot of the diverse student populous, this book explores the impact of these experiences on a student's learning and success. Topics covered include poverty, obesity, incarceration, immigration, death, sexual exploitation, LGBT issues, psychodrama, the expressive arts, resilience, and military students. The authors share the children's perspective, and through case studies they offer solutions and viable objectives.

Table of Contents

Preface. Introduction.

PART ONE: The Problem: Impact of Loss, Grief, and Trauma on Students.

1. Grief and Loss in Our Schools: The Impact on Learning and Growth. Linda Goldman (Editor).
2. What Complicates Grief, Loss, and Trauma for Children. Linda Goldman (Editor).
3. Serving Underserved Students: A View from the Classroom. Kyle Schwartz, Elementary School Teacher, and Author.
4. Viewing Underserved Populations of Children and Youth Through a Trauma Sensitive Lens. Susan Craig, Ph.D., Author, Teacher Trainer, and Consultant.

PART TWO: The Challenge: Supporting Underserved Student Populations.

5. Children and Poverty: Helping them Learn. Ruby Payne, Ph.D., CEO, aha! Process Inc.
6. Immigration Issues in the Schools: A Challenge to Learning and Living. Mari Moreno, Principal, Las Americas Newcomer School.
7. Addressing Weight Stigma and Body Dissatisfaction: Impact on Student Health and Wellbeing. Kathy Kater, LICSW.
8. Children with Incarcerated Family Members: Educators Can Help. Amalia Molina & Susan Truitt, Program Volunteer Get On The Bus.
9. LGBT Youth: What is their school experience? Eliza Byard, Ph.D., Executive Director GLSEN; Juan Martinez, Past Chief Communications and Advocacy Officer GLSEN, and Karl Hudnell, Media Relations Manager GLSEN.
10. Supporting Military Students with Separation, Loss, Trauma and Death: Equipping School Personnel to Help the Kids of Those Who Served. Lynda Davis, Ph.D., Executive Vice President TAPS: Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors.
11. Trafficking and Commercial Sexual Exploitation in Schools. Eve Birge, Office of Safe and Healthy Students, US Department of Education.

PART 3: The Solution: Achieving Student Well-being.

12. Leading Students Who Are Hurting: Strength-Based Behaviour Approach to Learning. Jonathan Doll, Ph.D.
13. The Expressive Arts as a Vehicle for Change. Eric Green, Ph.D., Ronnie Nowicki, Michael Lotz, & Jennifer Baggerly, University of North Texas.
14. Media and Social Impact: Sesame Street Helps Children. Rocio Galarza, Assistant Vice President, and David Cohen, US Social Impact Sesame Workshop.
15. Our Children are Resilient Love, Try One: Supporting Resilience in Students. Sara Truebridge, Ph.D.
16. Catching Kids Before They Fall: A Principal's Perspective. Jim Sporleder.
17. Francis in the Schools: A New Community Paradigm to Serve Our Underserved Children. Linda Goldman and Terry Johnson, Executive Director of Francis in the Schools. Conclusion, Linda Goldman.

"Once again, Linda Goldman has reached out across cultures to break down barriers and rally caregivers and educators to the aid of our most vulnerable citizens, children who are traumatically bereaved and in desperate need of trauma informed care. Those who serve and support these precious children now have an extraordinary resource to rely upon. It is an essential reference for teachers and caregivers and all those who yearn to profoundly impact - and quite possibly save - a child's life."
- Bonnie Carroll, President and Founder of TAPS (Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors)

"Linda Goldman has written yet another cutting-edge resource. This wide ranging book brings clarity and insight into relevant contemporary issues. This significant and practical resource is a wonderful asset for teachers, caregivers and those with the interest of marginalised children at heart."
- John Holland, Author of Responding to Loss and Bereavement in Schools