On February 28, 2017, the Illinois ACEs Response Collaborative presented a webinar illustrating the intersection of trauma and the educational system. Dr. Amanda Moreno and Erikson Institute doctoral student Kandace Thomas presented on features of the Calm Classroom K-2 project, a large randomized controlled trial of mindfulness and related strategies taking place in 30 high-poverty Chicago Public Schools.

They focused on the innovative ways the project is attempting to broaden the accessibility of a mindful school culture, including the “Calm Spot” tablet app and parent engagement components. More information about the project can be found in the following article: Does Mindfulness Actually Work in Schools? Scholars want to know whether the practice helps young kids of color succeed academically.

About the Illinois ACEs Response Collaborative: Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are traumatic experiences that have been shown to have profound neurological and psychological impacts on children’s development and a lifetime effect on health. The Illinois ACEs Response Collaborative (the Collaborative) represents a broad range of over 40 organizations, leaders, and agencies–from academic institutions and community foundations to private and public partners–committed to expanding the understanding of the impact of trauma and ACEs on the health and well-being of communities. Together we strive to develop education, policies, and responses to assist those who have experienced a high level of adversity, while simultaneously developing strategies to reduce the frequency and impact of ACEs as well as preventing their transmission to the next generation.