Stress is a natural part of the child's early life experiences, and it can be argued that some exposure to stressors can be associated with mental wellness. However, it is clear that at a certain point stress can become toxic and associated with mental illness. This workshop will help to make the distinction between positive, tolerable, and toxic stress; review for participants Tier 1 and 2 strategies for helping to ensure stressors are appropriately managed in the school setting; and finally, it will explore the variables associated traumatic stress and special education eligibility.

Workshop Objectives:

This session will help participants

1. appreciate the difference between positive, tolerable, and toxic stress;
2. recognize a range of strategies for addressing tolerable and toxic stress in the school setting, and
3. understand the relationship between traumatic stress, mental illness, and special education eligibility.

Prerequisite Knowledge

Basic knowledge of traumatic stress and its impact on school adjustment.

Practical Tools

From this session participants will gain a more complete understanding of stress, how it can affect school adjustment, and acquire knowledge of response options.