Giving Compass' Take:

· The experiences a child goes through when growing up directly impact the way they learn and act. Education Dive touches on the importance of addressing students' adverse experiences and building positive relationships to support troubled youths.

· How can teachers bond with students who have faced challenges growing up? How can schools identify troubled youths and help with behavioral intervention? 

· Learn why mentorships are helping students thrive.

As Indiana principals Amber Schroering and Chris Renner noted during a session last week at the 2018 National Principals Conference in Chicago, students bring more baggage to school than the supplies they're carrying on their backs. Their identities, in-school and online relationships, home lives, abuse, what just happened on the bus, hormones, academic standing and a lack of resources are all part of the additional weight they carry. And the prevalence of that baggage can vary from district to district. Low-income, inner-city or rural schools and districts will likely see more of it than, say, a more affluent suburban community.

To some extent, schools and districts have already tried to address these concerns with more social-emotional learning programs, mental health resources and holistic, restorative approaches to discipline. In many cases, adverse childhood experiences are at the root of disciplinary issues, so addressing them appropriately can change the trajectory of a student's life.

Read the full article about addressing adverse experiences by Roger Riddell at Education Dive.