ILLINOIS HAS A NEW LAW THAT WILL REQUIRE SCHOOLS TO BETTER ADDRESS STUDENT TRAUMA. 

THE LAW IS BASED ON RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE WHOLE CHILD TASK FORCE, WHICH WAS CREATED BY THE ILLINOIS LEGISLATIVE BLACK CAUCUS TO CREATE A MORE SUPPORTIVE ENVIRONMENT FOR STUDENTS. IT WAS SPEARHEADED BY SENATOR KIMBERLY LIGHTFORD OF MAYWOOD.

IT WAS SPONSORED IN THE HOUSE BY REPRESENTATIVE CAROL AMMONS OF URBANA WHO SAYS THE TRAUMA KIDS FACE CAN GREATLY AFFECT THEIR ABILITY TO LEARN.

THE LAW REQUIRES THE STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION TO DEVELOP AN INDEX TO MEASURE A CHILD’S EXPOSURE TO VARIOUS FORMS OF TRAUMA. 

THERE WILL ALSO BE TRAINING WORKSHOPS FOR TEACHERS ON THE ISSUE.