Dorchester Collegiate Academy teachers and staff are trained to understand the social and emotional development of our students and to use this understanding to ensure effective instruction and interactions with students.
For example moodiness, rebellion, withdrawal, obsession with personal appearance and devotion to peer groups are all normal for children and should not be viewed or treated in a manner that labels a child as “troubled” or “unreachable”. This only prevents the student from being successful. Rather, the Academy’s educational environment encourages open dialogue around these issues in order to help children navigate through developmental changes in the most positive and secure way possible.
A prevalent example of the challenges children face is trauma due to exposure to violence. The report Transforming the Boston Public Schools states that a high rate of Boston students suffer trauma due to exposure to violence—89% reported witnessing at least one type of violence in the past year, and 44% reported being the victim of a violent act. Students who have been exposed to traumatic events are more likely to have learning, social and behavioral difficulties, resulting in poor performance and a greater rate of absenteeism (which are two key indicators of potential dropouts). Academy teachers and staff will establish a trauma sensitive and responsive climate that will help mitigate the effects of these traumatic experiences.
