Webinar Title
Best Practices in Trauma-Informed Screening and Assessment in Schools (1.5 CE/CPD)
Date and Time
Thursday, November 6, 2025, 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. CDT
Learning Objectives
1. Recognize and discuss the potential strengths and limitations of trauma-focused screening and assessment practices in schools.
2. Describe considerations for obtaining consent and making decisions regarding trauma screening and assessment procedures.
3. Identify and apply practical Tier 1 and 2 strategies at the classroom, school, and district level to support students with a history of adversity or trauma.
Abstract
As districts increasingly recognize the impact of stress, adversity, and trauma on students, schools must consider how to implement trauma-informed approaches within their unique contexts. This introductory presentation provides guidance on screening and assessment practices in schools that are addressing the trauma-related needs of their students. The presentation will cover best practice considerations for culturally responsive methods to screen and assess children, legal and ethical considerations, and strategies for implementing and sustaining trauma-informed practices in schools.
Bio
Dr. Katie Eklund is a Professor in the Department of Educational Psychology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Prior to entering academia, Dr. Eklund worked in public education for 10 years as a school administrator, school psychologist, and school social worker. She is currently a Nationally Certified School Psychologist and licensed Psychologist. Dr. Eklund’s research focuses on school mental health, including universal screening and intervention for children with behavioral and social-emotional concerns, culturally-responsive mental health interventions, social emotional learning, and school safety. Dr. Eklund serves as Co-Director of METRICS, a national school mental health technical assistance center funded by the U.S. Department of Education. She also serves as Co-Director of the School Mental Health Collaborative, a center focused on conducting research that informs policy and practices related to the promotion of the social emotional and behavioral success of all students.