News and Discussion Forums
The third 2008 Online Forum - Read and Download the Discussion Paper
16 Sep 2008
This paper is the basis for the SMART online discussion forum to run between 15/9/08 – 29/9/08.
This discussion paper acknowledges the SMART-ER program (Strategies for Managing Abuse Related Trauma = Educational Reform) as an extension of the program and its application in South Australian schools through action based research. Given the focus of the SMART-ER program is the application of the SMART PRACTICE framework, this paper comes at an opportune time to review the framework and provide specific strategy ideas for each of the SMART PRACTICE elements. This paper gives readers the opportunity to reflect on their current application of the framework, suggested strategies and provide their own ideas and applications to build their practice repertoire.
Click more to download and read the discussion paper. ...more
Join the third SMART Discussion Forum for 2008 - Revisiting the SMART PRACTICE framework for supporting traumatized children
16 Sep 2008
Use this series of questions to prompt your participation in the third online discussion forum for 2008. It is easy to take part. Choose a question, think of your answer, follow this link and write down your thoughts and comments. You can also pose a question. Ask your colleagues for some advice and ideas. You can also read and respond to what your colleagues are saying about the topic by clicking on MORE at the end of the last question.
1. Please share one of your responses to the reflection questions included in this paper.
2. What is one strategy you would add those outlined in this paper? What difference have you seen with its use in your setting?
3. Have you used the SMART PRACTICE framework more with individuals, groups or classes of children?
4. Please share any other thoughts you have about the framework as a whole.
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Join the second SMART Discussion Forum for 2008 - Engaging collegial support for the implementation of SMART
27 May 2008
Use this series of questions to prompt your participation in the second online discussion forum for 2008. It is easy to take part. Choose a question, think of your answer, follow this link and write down your thoughts and comments. You can also pose a question. Ask your colleagues for some advice and ideas. You can also read and respond to what your colleagues are saying about the topic by clicking on MORE at the end of the last question.
1.What do you see as the biggest issue that influences the level of collegiate support for SMART at your site - be it positively or negatively?
2.Which of these questions is of most relevance to your site and your work? Why?
3.How have you engaged your colleagues effectively with the SMART PRACTICE framework?
4.Please share one example of a collaborative process or strategy that has worked well for your site.
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The second 2008 Online Forum - Read and Download the Discussion Paper
27 May 2008
This paper is the basis for the SMART online discussion forum to run between 26/5/08 – 16/6/08.
This discussion paper acknowledges the critical importance of SMART PRACTICE being implemented as a whole site program to facilitate real change for children who are at risk of, or who have experienced, abuse related trauma. During the SMART seminar four key questions are posed to consider how this collegial support can be generated. This paper looks at examples of responses to each of those questions in more detail.
Click more to download and read the discussion paper.
...more
The first 2008 Online Forum - Read and Download the Discussion Paper
9 Mar 2008
The paper is the basis for the first SMART online discussion forum for 2008 to run between 10/3/08 – 21/3/08.
The first SMART online discussion forum for 2008 encourages participants to apply the knowledge about abuse related trauma offered in SMART to children's behaviour in the classroom.
Click more to download and read the discussion paper.
...more
Join the first 2008 SMART Online Forum - Applying SMART in the classroom
9 Mar 2008
Use this series of questions to prompt your participation in the first online discussion forum for 2008. It is easy to take part. Choose a question, think of your answer, follow this link and write down your thoughts and comments. You can also pose a question. Ask your colleagues for some advice and ideas. You can also read and respond to what your colleagues are saying about the topic by clicking on MORE at the end of the last question..
1. Overall, would you say these questions and answers add to your knowledge of abuse related trauma or reinforce your knowledge?
2. If you could ask one other question regarding the application of the SMART program content in your context, what would it be?
3. What ideas or resources do you have for talking to other children about the impact of trauma?
4. Do you have any further questions regarding brain functioning as impacted by chronic trauma?
...more
SMART ONLINE FORUM - DOWNLOAD AND READ DISCUSSION PAPER
20 Aug 2007
The paper is the basis for the seventh SMART online discussion forum to run between 20/8/07 – 31/8/07.
The seventh SMART online discussion forum encourages participants to explore how best to support children who experience trauma based dissociative responses.
Click more to download and read the discussion paper. ...more
JOIN THE SEVENTH ONLINE SMART DISCUSSION FORUM: Exploring the topic of dissociative responses in children
20 Aug 2007
Use this series of questions to prompt your participation in the seventh online discussion forum. It is easy to take part. Choose a question, think of your answer, follow this link and write down your thoughts and comments. You can also pose a question. Ask your colleagues for some advice and ideas. You can also read and respond to what your colleagues are saying about the topic by clicking on MORE at the end of the last question..
1.Consider three dissociative behaviours a child you work with displays. What do you think the meaning of these behaviours might be?
2.Have you noticed children at your school or centre displaying dissociative responses? How have they manifested in your experience?
3.How have you differentiated these responses from normative or developmentally appropriate dissociation?
4.How do you link your previous knowledge of the neurobiology of trauma to the issues presented in this discussion paper?
5.What else would you like to know about this specific response pattern? ...more
SMART ONLINE FORUM - DOWNLOAD AND READ DISCUSSION PAPER
27 Jun 2007
The paper is the basis for the sixth SMART online discussion forum to run between 25/6/07 – 6/7/07.
The sixth SMART online discussion forum encourages participants to explore the impact of vicaroius traumatisation and burnout.
Click more to download and read the discussion paper. ...more
JOIN THE SIXTH ONLINE SMART DISCUSSION FORUM: Exploring the topic of vicarious trauma and burnout
20 Aug 2007
Use this series of questions to prompt your participation in the sixth online discussion forum. It is easy to take part. Choose a question, think of your answer, follow this link and write down your thoughts and comments. You can also pose a question. Ask your colleagues for some advice and ideas. You can also read and respond to what your colleagues are saying about the topic by clicking on MORE at the end of the last question..
1.How would you rate your knowledge of vicarious trauma and burnout?
2.What measures do you put in place personally to manage your own self-care?
3.How might you apply SMART PRACTICE in terms of supporting colleagues who may be experiencing some level of vicarious traumatisation?
4.What organizational structures are in place in your school, centre or service that support staff in their work with traumatized children?
5.Are there further structures you would like to put into place regarding this area in your school, centre or service?
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Fourth edition of Smart e-newsletter
29 May 2007
The fourth edition of SMART News is now available to view and download. Smart News keeps you up to date with the developments and latest activities in the SMART Program. ...more
SMART ONLINE FORUM - DOWNLOAD AND READ DISCUSSION PAPER
8 May 2007
The paper is the basis for the fifth SMART online discussion forum to run between 8/5/07 – 21/5/07.
The fifth SMART online discussion forum encourages participants to reflect on specific brain structures and their implications for children who have experienced chronic abuse related trauma.
Click more to download and read the discussion paper. ...more
JOIN THE FIFTH ONLINE SMART DISCUSSION FORUM: Extending our understanding of the role of specific brain structures in responding to trauma
8 May 2007
Use this series of questions to prompt your participation in the fourth online discussion forum. It is easy to take part. Choose a question, think of your answer, follow this link and write down your thoughts and comments. You can also pose a question about a child that you are currently supporting at your school. Ask your colleagues for some advice and ideas.You can also read and respond to what your colleagues are saying about the topic by clicking on MORE at the end of the last question..
1.Does the information about the thalamus, amygdala and hippocampus “fit” with a child or young person with whom you work?
2.What understanding of their behaviour or learning issues do you draw from the material included in this paper?
3.Which SMART PRACTICE elements would be most relevant in supporting the child or young person you identified based on this content?
4.How might you apply those elements in your work with that child?
5.Are there any other issues regarding the impact of trauma on brain development you would like to know more about?
6.Would you recommend other resources about this content to your colleagues?
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SMART ONLINE FORUM - DOWNLOAD AND READ DISCUSSION PAPER
27 Feb 2007
The paper is the basis for the fourth SMART online discussion forum to run between 26/2/07 – 9/3/07.
The fourth SMART online discussion forum encourages participants to reflect on how to best respond to Indigenous children who have experienced abuse related trauma.
Click more to download and read the discussion paper. ...more
JOIN THE FOURTH ONLINE SMART DISCUSSION FORUM: Responding to Indigenous children who have experienced abuse related trauma
27 Feb 2007
Use this series of questions to prompt your participation in the fourth online discussion forum. It is easy to take part. Choose a question, think of your answer, follow this link and write down your thoughts and comments. You can also pose a question about a child that you are currently supporting at your school. Ask your colleagues for some advice and ideas.You can also read and respond to what your colleagues are saying about the topic.
1. How do you feel your school demonstrates and maintains the concept of cultural competence?
2. What is the role of AEW’s within your school? Can that be reviewed in terms of SMART PRACTICE?
3. How have you specifically adapted SMART PRACTICE to Indigenous students in your school? Please share as much detail as you would like.
4. Do you have a question of your colleagues around best ways of supporting Indigenous students in your school? ...more
Third Edition of SMART E-News
19 Feb 2007
The third edition of SMART News is now available to view and download. Smart News keeps you up to date with the developments and latest activities in the SMART Program. ...more
Second edition of SMART E-News
31 Oct 2006
The second edition of SMART News is now available to view and download. Smart News keeps you up to date with the developments and latest activities in the SMART Program. ...more
SMART ONLINE FORUM 3 - DOWNLOAD AND READ THE DISCUSSION PAPER
25 Oct 2006
The paper is the basis for the third SMART online discussion forum to run between 24/10/06 – 6/11/06.
The third SMART online discussion forum encourages participants to reflect on the implications of trauma on children’s ability to remember and learn.
Click more to download and read the discussion paper. ...more
Exploring the impact of abuse related trauma on memory functioning of children
23 Oct 2006
The purpose of this discussion paper is to explore the specific impact of trauma on memory function for children who have experienced abuse related trauma.
Use this series of questions to prompt your participation in the third online discussion forum. It is easy to take part. Choose a question, think of your answer, follow this link and write down your thoughts and comments. You can also pose a question about a child that you are currently supporting at your school. Ask your colleagues for some advice and ideas.You can also read and respond to what your colleagues are saying about the topic.
1.How does this knowledge facilitate further understanding of a specific student at your school?
2.Does this knowledge change the ways in which you would work with this student?
3.Which element(s) of SMART PRACTICE are of most value when working with the ways that trauma can affect children’s memory functioning?
4.What have you utilized as an effective strategy for working with students to support their memory functioning? Is this a strategy specifically for the individual student or a whole class or whole school plan?
5.Do you have a challenge you would like to share with colleagues in looking for a different support path? ...more
Ideas for integrating SMART into school policies and processes
19 Sep 2006
The is second SMART online discussion forum to be run between 19/9/06 – 3/10/06. Click more to read what others say and make your contribution.The forum is open to individuals from all over Australia who have registered. However, preference will be given to posting comments from school personnel from South Australia as the SMART program has been funded by the South Australian Government Department of Education and Children's Services. The forum will be moderated. Please note that not all comments and feedback may be posted.
Use this series of questions to prompt your participation in the second online discussion forum. It is easy to take part. Choose a question, think of your answer, follow this link and write down your thoughts and comments. You can also pose a question about a child that you are currently supporting at your school. Ask your colleagues for some advice and ideas.You can also read and respond to what your colleagues are saying about the topic.
1.What elements of SMART have you found to be effective in the review of child protection and student well-being policies children in your school?
2.What is an example of a way in which you have applied the SMART approach to the policy review process?
3.What are the three factors that schools should consider in reviewing policies for supporting children who have experienced abuse related trauma?
4.What parts of the school network have you drawn into the review process? What resources have these people offered?
5.What is the most important piece of advice that you would want to share with your colleagues about undertaking a review of policies that incorporate the SMART approach?
6.How would you include the initiative your school has undertaken as a result of SMART in the auditing requirements of National Safe Schools Framework? ...more
SMART Online Forum 2 - Download and read the discussion paper
19 Sep 2006
This is a short discussion paper that outlines ways in which the SMART program can be integrated into school policies and processes. Click more to download and read the discussion paper.
In particular it examines how to incorporate SMART into child protection policies at school. It also explores how SMART PRACTICE fits into the auditing requirements of the National Safe Schools Framework. ...more
First SMART Online Discussion Forum is now complete
15 Aug 2006
The first SMART online discussion forum is now complete. The second is scheduled to run between 18-23 September, 2006. If you are registered, you will receive a reminder of the topic and how you can contribute. ...more
Smart Discussion Forum No 1 - Download and Read the Discussion Paper
1 Aug 2006
This is a short discussion paper that outlines some key ideas about how to respond to children who have experienced abuse related trauma. It synthesises and integrates the research and literature about the impact of trauma and brain development. The paper is the basis for the first SMART online discussion forum to be run between 1/8/06 – 5/8/06. It compliments and extends the training provided through the SMART program. Click more to download and read it. Once you have read the paper, go to the next story to take part in the forum. ...more
SMART Discussion Forum No. 1 - Supporting Traumatised children at school
15 Aug 2006
The first SMART online discussion forum encourages participants to share with each other different examples of strategies that schools are using to support children who have experienced chronic traumatisation. It also provides an opportunity for participants to ask questions of each other about specific issues and how to best respond. Click more to read what others say and make your contribution.
The forum is open to individuals from all over Australia who have registered. However, preference will be given to posting comments from school personnel from South Australia as the SMART program has been funded by the South Australian Government Department of Education and Children's Services. The forum will be moderated. Please note that not all comments and feedback may be posted.
Use this series of questions to prompt your participation in the first online discussion forum. It is easy to take part. Choose a question, think of your answer, follow this link and write down your thoughts and comments. You can also pose a question about a child that you are currently supporting at your school. Ask your colleagues for some advice and ideas.You can also read and respond to what your colleagues are saying about the topic.
Consider these questions
1. What have you found to be effective in supporting children in your school who have experienced abuse and family violence?
2. What is an example of a strategy that you have used that has worked really well? What are the reasons for its success?
3. What are the three factors that schools should consider in developing and implementing strategies for supporting children who have experienced abuse related trauma?
4. What parts of the school network have you drawn into strategies for supporting children who have experienced abuse related trauma? What resources have these people offered to you and the child in question?
5. What is the most important piece of advice that you would want to share with your colleagues about how best to support children who have experienced abuse related trauma?
6. What do you think about the SMART PRACTICE framework?
7. Is your school using any of the strategies that are suggested in the framework? ...more
First edition of SMART E-News
9 Jul 2006
The first edition of SMART News is now available to view and download. Smart News keeps you up to date with the developments and latest activities in the SMART Program. ...more