Date of Award
5-2025
Degree Type
Doctoral Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Education (EdD)
Department
Education
Committee Chair
Deirdra A. Preis, Ed.D.
2nd Reader
Kathleen Wallace, Ed.D.
3rd Reader
Jessica White, Ed.D.
Abstract
This dissertation addresses the issue of ineffective proactive approaches to students' emotional regulation by educational staff, which contributes to a high incidence of punitive discipline. The study aims to increase teachers' trauma-sensitive approaches to students' emotional needs to reduce the use of punitive and exclusionary discipline practices. Using a convergent mixedmethods research design, data were collected through interviews, exit tickets, classroom observations, focus group discussions, student behavior data, and pre-and post-assessments of collective efficacy. Participants included elementary teachers, support staff, and behavioral staff. The findings demonstrate that professional learning focused on trauma-sensitive approaches, the science of emotions and the brain, and educator self-care significantly enhance educators’ abilities to support students with intensive emotional and behavioral needs. Moreover, these professional development efforts improve educators’ collective efficacy and provide actionable strategies to foster emotionally supportive classroom environments. These results have implications for educators, school leaders, and policymakers. By prioritizing trauma-sensitive practices and educator well-being, schools can reduce reliance on punitive discipline while improving outcomes for students with complex emotional and behavioral needs. This research contributes to the growing body of literature on trauma-informed educational practices underscoring the importance of equipping educators with the knowledge and tools to promote inclusive and supportive learning environments.
Recommended Citation
Dessureau-O'Hara, E. (2025). Protecting the dignity of the child: A study in trauma-sensitive practices and collective efficacy in an alternative educational setting [Doctoral dissertation, Sacred Heart University]. https://digitalcommons.sacredheart.edu/edd/60
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Comments
A dissertation presented to the Faculty of Sacred Heart University in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Education