Which practice is NOT aligned with trauma-informed practice in schools?

• A. Rigidly enforce policies without accommodations
• B. Recognize trauma signs
• C. Provide safe predictable environments
• D. Build relationships

Answer: (A)

In trauma-informed practice, the focus is on creating safety, predictability, and supportive relationships while recognizing how trauma affects learning and behavior. Enforcing policies rigidly without accommodations fails to honor that need for safety and control for students who have experienced trauma. It can feel punitive, escalate stress, and ignore individual supports that help a student regulate and succeed.

Recognizing trauma signs helps staff respond appropriately rather than mislabel behavior. Providing safe, predictable environments reduces anxiety and helps students anticipate what comes next. Building relationships fosters trust, a sense of safety, and ongoing support. Together, these elements align with trauma-informed principles, whereas inflexible enforcement without accommodations does not.