Project Prevent

ERADICATE: Expanding Resources, Activities, and Dissemination of Information to Combat
All violence Through Education

Project Description: ERADICATE is a transformative program that implements a Trauma-
Informed Multi-Tiered Systems of Supports to address the needs of K-12 students affected by
violence. The program aims to increase access to school-based and community mental health
services, enhance staff professional learning in trauma-informed care and culturally responsive
practices, improve the fidelity of MTSS implementation, and provide teachers with training in
Restorative Practices. ERADICATE also incorporates evidence-based curricula such as Too
Good for Drugs and Violence, Morning Meetings, Second Step, and Safe School Ambassadors,
while fostering strong family engagement and reducing incidents of violent and disruptive
behavior. ERADICATE priorities are aligned to address violence and promote student
development. In collaboration with our partners including Children’s Hope Alliance, Teen Court,
Drug-Alcohol Coalition, Law Enforcement, My Sister’s House, Boys & Girls Club; and Crosby
Scholars, we seek to achieve the following outcomes: diminish the rates of Office Disciplinary
Referrals (ODRs) for violent and aggressive behaviors and bullying, while simultaneously
increasing teacher, student, and parent perceptions of school climate, student and family
engagement, and educators' understanding of student needs and ability to meet those needs.

ERADICATE Goals:
1) Enhance the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) structure to implement a trauma-
informed approach to break the cycle of violence; and
2) Provide professional learning for educators to develop understanding of the impact trauma has
on students, building educators’ capacity to implement a trauma informed MTSS.

Funding: $4,982,280 over five years                                                         Grant Period: 10/01/2019 - 9/30/2024

Population Served: ERADICATE serves 4,022 students in grades K-12 in 7 of our district’s
schools: Cloverleaf Elementary, East Iredell Elementary, NB Mills Elementary, Third Creek
Elementary, East Iredell Middle, Third Creek Middle, Statesville High

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

Progress and Results: Through ERADICATE, funded by the U.S. Department of Education, we
have made significant progress in addressing the diverse needs of our students. Our efforts have
led to increased access to school-based and community mental health services, improved staff
professional learning in trauma-informed care and culturally responsive practices, enhanced
fidelity in MTSS implementation, and the incorporation of restorative practices and evidence-
based curricula. We have exceeded expectations in staff training, successfully implemented
social-emotional learning programs, and achieved positive outcomes in reducing disciplinary
referrals and improving student engagement.