Alfonso successfully led a 3 Year Trauma Informed Schools Pilot Project, the first of its kind in a large comprehensive high school of 2,000 students.
Tigard High experienced a 40% reduction in disciplinary referrals and a 4% increase in graduation rates during this pilot. Economically disadvantaged students, Latino students and students receiving special education services experienced the highest increases of 9%, 16% and 21% respectfully. This work takes time, but Alfonso believes all schools can experience similar success. As a result of Tigard High's trauma informed work, they were nominated for Washington County Public Health Department's Partner of the Year Award in 2018 and 2019. Alfonso has provided training and consulting to School Districts, Charter and Public Schools and Community Based Organizations and professional organizations. "Alfonso’s Trauma-informed Teacher Training has completely transformed teacher and student communication at our school. In a virtual environment, it is more important now than ever for teachers to have accessible language to connect with their students. Alfonso’s guidance continues to give our students the ability to inform and empower themselves toward successful co-regulation in partnership with their teachers and community." -Mitch Charter School |