All students deserve to feel safe, supported, and valued at school. When schools ground behavior support in compassion, relationship-building, and an understanding of trauma, they create environments where students can thrive academically, socially, emotionally, and behaviorally. To reduce restraint and eliminate isolation, school and district14 staff must have a solid foundation in key concepts related to positive and trauma-informed behavior support. This allows educators to build systems and practices that promote healing, connection, and positive student outcomes.
14 Note that the term “district” is used across this manual to be inclusive of all local education agencies (LEAs), including charter schools.