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Scholarship Prep: Leading the Way in Trauma-Informed Education and Support for Homeless Students at LAUSD Summit

Scholarship Prep: Leading the Way in Trauma-Informed Education and Support for Homeless Students at LAUSD Summit

Posted by Rachel Foy on June 04, 2024 in General News

On June 3, 2024, the Scholarship Prep team proudly participated in the Los Angeles Unified School District’s (LAUSD) Special Education Local Plan Area (SELPA) End-of-Year Summit. This prestigious event, themed "Inclusive Communities: Reconnecting for Equity, Health, and Belonging," highlighted the critical need for fostering inclusive, supportive educational environments.

Led by Andrew Crowe (Deputy Director), Taylor Ellis (Chief Academic Officer), Anarely Sedano (Director of Special Education), Dennise Allotey (Principal on Assignment), and Allison Vann (South Bay Principal), Scholarship Prep was honored to be invited to present two of the twelve breakout sessions, sharing our experiences and expertise in the field of trauma-informed education and support for students experiencing homelessness.

Presentations by Scholarship Prep


Community Meeting: Creating Safe Spaces, Safe Adults, and Belonging for Students


In this session, we explored the vital role of creating safe and supportive environments for students, especially those with disabilities and those experiencing homelessness. The presentation introduced our Homeless Innovative Programs grant-winning Community Meeting Toolkit, a structured approach aimed at nurturing physical, emotional, and mental well-being through consistent practices like threshold greetings, daily SEL check-ins, and weekly universal screeners. The impact has been remarkable, leading to a decrease in discipline issues, better attendance, and a stronger sense of community. Participants were left equipped with practical tools to implement these strategies in their own schools, empowering them to effectively support all students.

Trauma-Responsive MTSS Interventions and Supports


During this session, the Scholarship Prep team discussed how to integrate trauma-informed care techniques into a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS). Understanding trauma's impact on learning and development, the team provided practical interventions for Tiers 1, 2, and 3. Attendees learned how to proactively and effectively apply these strategies to meet students' needs and ensure their success. The team also addressed specific strategies for supporting students experiencing homelessness, offering tailored interventions to help them succeed despite the unique challenges they face.

Leading the Way and Sharing Knowledge


Scholarship Prep’s involvement in the LAUSD Summit provided a welcome platform to share our experience in trauma-informed practices and support for students experiencing homelessness. We’re passionate about equipping those in the broader educational community. In doing so, we’re working together to ensure that every student feels safe, supported, and ready to succeed.

For more information about Scholarship Prep’s innovative educational approaches or to invite our team to share these resources with your district or campus, please visit Scholarship Prep’s website at learn.scholarshipschools.org.