Sept 18, 2017, Battle Creek (MI) Enquirer: Harper Creek schools seek to help traumatized students http://www.battlecreekenquirer.com/story/news/2017/09/18/harper-creek-schools-seek-help-traumatized-students/670089001/ Laura Williams has seen students run out of classrooms without good reason. She's heard them scream in hallways for reasons she can't explain. That's why she is leading an effort in Harper Creek Community Schools to figure out just how much of an effect traumatic experiences outside of school have on students in school. ... It also hopes to help students trying to cope with dysfunction in their homes, such as mental illness, violence, substance abuse, divorce or a jailed relative. Williams said that, according to national statistics, 28% of children experience physical abuse, another 27% struggle with substance abuse, 20% have been abused sexually and 13% have experienced violence in their homes. Williams estimates that up to 1,150 of 2,600-plus students in the Harper Creek district could benefit from any efforts to help children deal with such adverse childhood experiences....
Childhood Lost
Children today are noticeably different from previous generations, and the proof is in the news coverage we see every day. This site shows you what’s happening in schools around the world. Children are increasingly disabled and chronically ill, and the education system has to accommodate them. Things we've long associated with autism, like sensory issues, repetitive behaviors, anxiety and lack of social skills, are now problems affecting mainstream students. Blame is predictably placed on bad parenting (otherwise known as trauma from home).
Addressing mental health needs is as important as academics for modern educators. This is an unrecognized disaster. The stories here are about children who can’t learn or behave like children have always been expected to. What childhood has become is a chilling portent for the future of mankind.