The S.I.T.E. Framework: A Novel Approach for Sustainably Integrating Trauma-Informed Approaches in Schools

Students who present as dysregulated due to the impacts of trauma and toxic stress can challenge educators and find themselves improperly or insufficiently supported, punitively consequenced and unable to equitably access education. Trauma-informed approaches based on an understanding of brain development and function have been put forth as best practice for supporting students with trauma histories. The novel Sustainably Integrated Trauma-Informed Education Framework (S.I.T.E. Framework) facilitates systemic integration of trauma-informed approaches across a school and was developed through a community-informed process to address implementation challenges traditionally linked to trauma-informed initiatives. The S.I.T.E Framework promotes the science-based content of the Neurosequential Model in Education (NME) and was piloted during the 2017-18 school year at a metropolitan elementary school in Colorado. Mixed analytic methods identified four components, 1) establish and facilitate school-based Core Team, 2) deliver school-wide professional development training, 3) provide on-site staff support and consultation and 4) conduct a comprehensive evaluation as critical to the successful implementation of the framework. Pilot testing of the S.I.T.E. Framework's innovative, multicomponent structure illustrates the potential for sustainable, whole-school integration of brain-based, trauma-informed approaches that are supportive of both educators and students regardless of their trauma history.

Characterization of Colorado residents and radon reduction behaviors through latent class analysis and path models

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that enters homes through cracks in the foundation where accumulated levels can cause lung cancer. Within the United States (U.S.), state level radon reduction strategies rely on education and outreach to motivate people to test and mitigate their home. Only about 5% of the housing units in Colorado, U.S. have been tested for radon. This study looks at the 2012 Behavioral Risk Factors Surveillance System (BRFSS) in Colorado to identify distinct groups of people using Latent Class Analysis, and compares radon awareness, testing, and mitigation to understand underlying differences of radon reduction behaviors using path models. Five classes were identified: 1) Wealthy Young Families, 2) Older Singles, 3) Empty Nesters, 4) Smokers, and 5) Struggling Young Families. Significant differences in responses to radon survey questions existed across groups in which Struggling Young Families were the least likely to be aware of radon, have tested their home for radon, and have their home mitigated. Average radon awareness, testing, and mitigation appeared to be influenced by financial stress. Results from this study can be used to tailor future radon interventions and policy initiatives to enhance equity of radon reduction behaviors including legal framework to ensure radon mitigation takes place in rental properties.

Recognition of enantiomers by Chirasil-Val and oligopeptide analogues as studied by gas-phase calorimetry and 1H NMR spectroscopy in solution

A series of oligopeptides, L-Valn-NHtBu (n = 1-4), were linked to poly(beta-methyl)siloxy-alpha-methylpropanoic acid copolymer; the resulting chirally modified polydimethylsiloxanes were used for the resolution of enantiomers by gas chromatography. Chiral recognition proved most effective for n = 1 (known as Chirasil-Val), as judged from the resolution factors (alpha) and the thermodynamic parameters delta delta H, delta delta S and chi = delta delta H/delta H', where delta H' = delta HChir -delta HSE30. Likewise, 1H NMR spectroscopy in carbon tetrachloride solution revealed a maximum chemical shift non-equivalence of the amide N-H signal of racemic N-TFA-amino acid methyl esters on addition of the chiral polymer, for n = 1. From circular dichroism spectroscopy of L-Valn-NH'Bu (n = 2, 3, 4 and 6) and polyoxyethylene-bound pivaloyl-L-Valn-Gly-NH-POE3000 (n = 2-8), it is concluded that the peptide moiety of the stationary phase mostly adopts the unfavourable random coil conformation, whereas the beta-sheet structure was only partially found and only for n > or = 6.