The Resilient Schools Project

The Resilient Schools Project

The Resilient Schools Project is a community engaged, systems level initiative designed to strengthen PK–12 school improvement efforts. The project focuses on mitigating Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and expanding Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs) to support long term student success. 

Grounded in evidence based leadership practices, the project equips administrators with a clear framework for identifying effective instructional practices, resources, and strengths based strategies that reduce barriers to learning. The project is based on intentional systems development that is centered on shared vision, student leadership, restorative practices, and individualized coaching to support school leaders as they create sustainable and creative environments where all students can thrive. 

Key professional learning includes ACEs/PCEs training for all staff, leadership practices for Resilient School Leadership Teams, coaching on school climate and culture, and data informed continuous improvement processes. These efforts help schools build systems that improve student well being, reduce chronic absenteeism, increase engagement, and foster safe, supportive learning environments. Community partners include designated PK-12 schools in Tennessee and Virginia, Ballad Health Behavioral Health, the Strong BRAIN Institute, and the Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis Department at ETSU. 

The Resilient Schools Model 

At the heart of the initiative is the Resilient Schools Model, a systems-focused framework that helps schools embed trauma informed and strengths based practices across their entire school community. 

• 1. Establish Shared Commitment

  Schools begin by aligning core values among principals, district leaders, and school teams while engaging students, families, and community partners. This shared vision forms the foundation for resilient practices and community connected learning. 
• 2. Embed Values and Practices 

  Schools integrate core values into daily operations through: 

  • Leadership institutes focused on systems change and trauma informed, restorative approaches
  • Student voice and leadership development
  • Consistent schoolwide practices such as social emotional learning, belonging routines, regulation strategies, and personalized strength based student plans
  • Schools create innovation resources including reset spaces, CTE labs, and community partnerships to support student well being and positive neurodevelopment. 
• 3. Sustain Systems for Growth

  Using data tools such as mid year student success surveys and faculty culture surveys, schools monitor progress and guide continuous improvement. Leaders track ACEs/PCEs trends, adjust goals, and communicate clearly with their communities. Students gain access to creative learning environments and increased opportunities for voice and choice.
• 4. Resilience 

  In the final stage, schools maintain durable systems of policy, culture, and infrastructure that support long term academic, social, and emotional success. Resilience becomes a sustained, community supported outcome for all students. 

Project Components 

The Resilient Schools Project strengthens the model through: 

• Resilient school leadership teams to include active student participation
• ACEs/PCEs training for all staff to include teachers, bus drivers, cafeteria staff, and more
• Student leadership to solve problems of practice
• Explicit instruction on core values, school culture, and emotional regulation strategies
• Common language and evidence-based practices to mitigate ACEs and promote PCEs
• Restorative practices to reset, replay, and return to learn in school communities
• Data-informed decisions based on office discipline referrals, chronic absenteeism, and academic gains
• Capacity-building leadership institutes at ETSU and ongoing coaching
• Schoolwide reset spaces, innovative career exploration labs, and opportunities for career and college awareness from elementary through high school
• Sustainable onboarding for professional learning to support systems change

By embedding high leverage, resilient practices within a structured systems model, the Resilient Schools Project equips educators, students, and communities with tools to create systems of innovation that provide supportive and resilient learning environments.

Resilient Schools Resources and Assessment Instruments

Resilient Schools Core Values List

Resilient Schools Changing School Culture Survey

Resilient Schools Integrity Rubric

Resilient Schools Midyear Student Success Survey

Resilient School Student Success Plan

Webinars and Trainings 

Looking to create a more supportive and trauma-informed school environment? Check out the videos below or click the buttons to access our expert-led webinars and trainings. These sessions provide valuable insights, strategies, and best practices to help educators, administrators, and staff foster resilience and success for all students.

 

For other trauma and resilience presentations, please visit: 

ETSU Ballad Health Strong BRAIN Institute - YouTube

For more on The Strong BRAIN Institute, please visit:

The Strong BRAIN Institute

For more information, please contact