Education, Innovation, Research Grant (EIR)

RIPPLE: Reducing disparities and Implementation strategies to Promote Proactive Learning
Environments

Project Description: RIPPLE is an innovative program actively supporting student success by
tackling the effects of trauma on academic and behavioral performance. By merging a trauma-
informed system approach and a specific trauma intervention method into our ongoing district's
multi-tiered support system, we strive to make a real difference. Our aim is to enhance our
staff's understanding of the various behaviors and academic challenges that students facing
trauma might present. To achieve this, we're integrating a well-rounded framework that includes
a variety of resources, strategies, and practices to efficiently counter the obstacles trauma and
stress can create for student achievement. We believe that providing academic and emotional
support with trauma-informed interventions generates a far more significant positive impact than
using either method on its own. In collaboration with our partners including Children’s Hope
Alliance, Easterseals, Goodwill Industries’ Crosby Scholars, and Boys and Girls Club of the
Piedmont, we seek to achieve the following outcomes: reduced discipline referrals and increased
school climate and student academic achievement.

RIPPLE Goals:
1) Use the MTSS structure to implement a trauma- informed interventional approach to improve
educational outcomes for high-need K-12 students; and
2) Provide professional learning for educators to develop awareness and understanding of the
impact trauma has on student achievement and behaviors building educators’ capacity to
recognize and implement a trauma-informed interventional approach for high-need students.

Funding: $3,999,968 over five years                                         Grant Period: 10/01/2019 - 9/30/2024

Population Served: RIPPLE serves 10,729 students in grades K-12 in 21 of our district’s
schools: Cloverleaf Elementary, East Iredell Elementary, Third Creek Elementary, Celeste
Henkel Elementary, Central Elementary, Cool Spring Elementary, Harmony Elementary, NB
Mills Elementary, Scotts Elementary, Sharon Elementary, Troutman Elementary, Union Grove
Elementary, East Iredell Middle, Third Creek Middle, North Iredell Middle, Troutman Middle,
West Iredell Middle, North Iredell High, West Iredell High, Statesville High, Northview
Alternative School

Key Contacts: Jessica Smith, jessica_mack@iss.k12.nc.us

Progress and Results: Through funding from the U.S. Department of Education, we have made
significant strides in our grant work, with 1,024 staff members from our 21 target schools
completing virtual Trauma-Focused Professional Development and other trainings that will help
staff best meet the needs of our students. Based on valuable feedback from our schools and
communities, we are expanding restorative practices throughout the district, boosted by regular
Professional Learning Community meetings.