Thursday, May 19, 2016

Benefits of research on children and families

I recently attended a showing of the film "Paper Tigers" that shows how an alternative high school in Walla Walla, Washington developed a new school wide approach to dealing with students who were either absent habitually or displaying a variety of challenging behaviors.  The film tells the story of how the principle of the high school went to a conference on trauma informed care at which researchers were reporting on its effects on children and adults as a result of "Adverse Childhood Experiences  Study (ACES)".  The research documented the connection between childhood trauma and a change in the architecture of the brain.  Jim Sporleder, principal, explains in the film how that information was so crucial to him understanding why many of his students had these behaviors. It caused him to make wide spread changes: in how staff was trained; discipline policies were changed; new support services were offered on-site (medical, dental and mental health); and family and community outreach.  According to the film, this transition has had community wide effects.  This is a very riveting demonstration of how research can benefit children and families.

I encourage you to watch the trailer of the movie at the following link:
https://vimeo.com/110821029



Other resources
http://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/acestudy/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K6xRtNGjN3I
http://developingchild.harvard.edu/resources/toxic-stress-derails-healthy-development/

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3 comments:

  1. jacqueline jenkinsMay 22, 2016 at 8:06 AM

    Hi Brenda,In this trailer movie of, Redford showcases the social and human side to ACEs rather than the science behind the approach to treating the children. He highlights the idea of ACEs while allowing the students to film their own lives, providing a more personal perspective on the effect of their traumas as well as their struggles, hopes, and dreams. It also demonstrates how teachers are helping the students change their lives in a positive way using new science and fresh methods. In addition, “Paper Tigers” provides insight into how others, such as family members and parents, can help children experiencing the negative impacts this .I enjoy watching

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  2. PushpaMay 22, 2016 at 2:04 PM

    Hi Brenda. Thank you for sharing this movie. It is really an eye opener on how a good research can have positive influence on the community. This is a very good example.

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  3. AnonymousMay 22, 2016 at 5:56 PM

    Thanks for sharing Brenda. I enjoyed the clip about how stress can be toxic on the body. It is very important that people take care of themselves and do not allow others to stress them. Research can indeed change my things within communities.

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