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2023 SESSION

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SB 1300 Trauma Learning Modules; DOE & VTSS-RIC to make modifications.

Introduced by: R. Creigh Deeds | all patrons    ...    notes | add to my profiles | history

SUMMARY AS PASSED:

Department of Education; Virginia Tiered Systems of Supports Research and Implementation Center; Trauma Learning Modules; modifications; report. Directs the Department of Education to collaborate with the Virginia Tiered Systems of Supports Research and Implementation Center (VTSS-RIC) to modify the existing Trauma Learning Modules provided by VTSS-RIC to incorporate (i) the definitions of "childhood trauma" and "trauma-informed" provided in the bill and (ii) information and guidance on concepts including (a) the impacts of childhood trauma on a child's physical, emotional, and behavioral development and health; (b) the importance of mental health and wellness; (c) how to foster a trauma-informed classroom environment; (d) how to recognize the signs of childhood trauma in students; (e) how to respond when a student informs a teacher of a traumatic experience or exhibits signs that such student has had a traumatic experience; and (f) when and how to contact support services or other resources outside the classroom to ensure any student who has experienced trauma receives the necessary support. The bill requires the Department and the VTSS-RIC to provide the report required pursuant to the bill to the Governor and the General Assembly by November 1, 2023.

SUMMARY AS PASSED SENATE:

Department of Education; trauma-informed care training and learning modules; modifications. Directs the Department of Education to collaborate with the Virginia Tiered Systems of Support Research and Implementation Center (VTSS-RIC) to modify the existing Trauma Learning Modules provided by VTSS-RIC to incorporate (i) the definitions of "childhood trauma" and "trauma-informed" provided in the bill and information and (ii) guidance on concepts including (a) the impacts of childhood trauma on a child's physical, emotional, and behavioral development and health; (b) the importance of mental health and wellness; (c) how to foster a trauma-informed classroom environment; (d) how to recognize the signs of childhood trauma in students; (e) how to respond when a student informs a teacher of a traumatic experience or exhibits signs that such student has had a traumatic experience; and (f) when and how to contact support services or other resources outside the classroom to ensure any student who has experience trauma receives the necessary support. The bill requires the Department of Education and the Virginia Tiered Systems of Support Research and Implementation Center to provide the report required pursuant to the bill to the Governor and the General Assembly by November 1, 2023.

SUMMARY AS INTRODUCED:

Requirements for public primary and secondary school teachers; annual trauma-informed care training program. Directs the Board of Education to work in collaboration with the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services to develop a comprehensive trauma-informed care training program for elementary and secondary school teachers for the purpose of ensuring that all teachers are equipped with the skills, knowledge, and resources to recognize and address signs of childhood trauma, as defined in the bill, in students, to foster a trauma-sensitive learning environment, and to ensure that students who have experienced childhood trauma receive the support they need, both inside and outside of the classroom. The bill requires the trauma-informed care training program to be provided annually and in person at each school division by a representative from the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services and to be administered by the Department of Education and the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services. Finally, the bill requires each local school board to adopt and implement policies requiring annual completion of the trauma-informed care training program by each primary and secondary school teacher in the school division.