HR0795 100TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0795 LRB100 18096 ALS 33289 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Childhood trauma is trauma that can be the result of intentional violence, such as child physical or sexual abuse or domestic violence, or the result of a natural disaster, accidents, or war; children also may experience traumatic stress in response to painful medical procedures or the sudden loss of a parent or caregiver; and

WHEREAS, Childhood experiences, both positive and negative, have a tremendous impact on future violence, victimization, perpetration, and lifelong health and opportunity; the foundational research in this area has been referred to as Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs); and

WHEREAS, Adverse Childhood Experiences have been linked to risky health behaviors, chronic health conditions, low life potential, and early death, as the number of ACEs increases, so does the risk for negative outcomes; and

WHEREAS, It's our responsibility as a State to create healthy environments for children, even when they struggle with a host of challenges, and find creative outlets and solutions for each and every child to reach their full potential; and

WHEREAS, Healthy classroom environments, as studies suggest, are the most effective means of combating the adverse impacts of trauma, but educators are limited in responding to trauma due to lack of resources and training; and

WHEREAS, Across the country, districts and states are working to improve school climate and culture in a way that prioritizes practices like social-emotional learning, trauma, informed teaching, and restorative justice; and

WHEREAS, The idea that recognizing and supporting the social-emotional needs of students, especially those experiencing trauma, is becoming embedded in what it means to improve the climate and culture of an entire school; and

WHEREAS, The State could provide various options, such as Trauma Sensitive Schools, Partnerships for Resilience, or Compassionate Schools, to help combat trauma; and

WHEREAS, In order to address the realities faced by the students of Illinois, we must assess and compile resources that will allow schools to evaluate their current policies and practices; we must coordinate with existing infrastructure, policies, and systems to more directly establish school climate and culture as a priority within the district and at the schools; we then must execute on the prioritization of school climate and culture by creating new frameworks and structures that support a school's ability to address the needs of its student population and connect with families and the broader community; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDREDTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we support schools in obtaining and sustaining the resources, training, and ongoing development necessary for their entire school community to prioritize school climate and culture; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be delivered to Chicago Public Schools, the State Board of Education, and Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel.