This is going to be a bit of a long winded answer. I'm the director of program for a Seattle based non profit, Sound Discipline, that supports schools to transition to a trauma informed approach. I think transition is one of the key words. It involves moving away from our traditional ways of interacting with each other - specifically moving toward a system of restorative practices instead of practices that try to teach by hurting and practices that try to teach by rewarding. Those both have a big foot print in most school systems.
We integrate discipline data review (to look for patterns instead of "problem students"), a strong SEL curriculum that uses class meetings as a practice platform (Positive Discipline - the curriculum is available at positive discipline.com) and strong trauma-informed professional development for all staff (certificated and non certificated) to bring about a gradual cultural change. We have learned many things including:
- It is messy hard work that requires strong partnerships and leadership.
- It works to reduce equity gaps and improve academic outcomes.
- It improves school climate and empowers both adults and students
It also requires a re-think of how adults work in schools. As an example, at one of our schools the team re-thought their usual : be respectful, be safe, be responsible theme and shifted to something quite different. "I am safe, I am aware, I am connected." It applies to adults and students.
When you think about those two frames you get a sense of the shift from an adult centered school, to a school where the priority is connection/community and personal responsibility. To me that is at the heart of what we do in trauma informed schools. With that in mind, what should a "code of conduct" look like?
What if it were framed around the concepts of being safe/aware/ and connected?
What if it weren't a list of "if you do this, you get this" but instead a set of what safe/aware/connected looks like and a menu of repair options?
We do model school tours should anyone be interested.