Assignment 1: ACEs Reflection

(Parts 1, 2A, and 2B)

Purpose

This assignment is designed to deepen your understanding of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES) and how trauma shapes learning, behavior, and teacher decision-making. You will engage with the foundational science presented in Dr. Nadine Burke Harris TED Talk, complete the ACE assessment twice, and analyze how trauma-informed principles apply to both personal insight and a realistic classroom scenario.

Instructions

Your reflection must include all three sections below. Organize your submission using these headings.

Part 1 Learning from Dr. Nadine Burke Harris

After watching the TED Talk, respond to the following:

Identify one idea from the talk that expanded, challenged, or clarified your understanding of trauma.
Explain how toxic stress affects learning, emotional regulation, and classroom behavior.
Describe why trauma awareness is essential for educators and how it influences instructional and relational decisions.

Part 2A Personal ACE Assessment (No Disclosure Required)

After completing the ACE test for yourself:

Without naming your score or personal history, describe what the experience of taking the assessment taught you about the ACES framework.
Explain how understanding ACE science may influence your empathy, expectations, or responses as an educator.
Discuss one professional insight or shift in thinking you gained from completing the assessment.

You will not disclose your ACE score, personal trauma history, or private experiences.
Your reflection must remain professional, not personal.

Part 2B Scenario ACE Assessment (Marcus)

Using the Marcus scenario provided in this module, complete the ACE assessment again and respond to:

Identify at least three adversity indicators you noticed in the scenario that may affect Marcuss learning or behavior.
Discuss any differences you observed between taking the ACE assessment for yourself versus taking it for a student case.
Explain how understanding Marcuss likely trauma exposure should influence:
- your instructional decisions,
- your behavior management approach, and
- your efforts to create emotional safety.

Formatting Requirements

Length: 500700 words
Double-spaced, Times New Roman 12 pt
APA 7 formatting for any citations (TED Talk or Harvard resource)
Submit as a PDF or DOCX file only

Submission Instructions

Upload your completed reflection to Canvas under Assignment 1: ACEs Reflection.

Grading (100 points total)

Part 1 TED Talk Reflection: 25 points
Part 2A Personal ACE Assessment Insight: 25 points
Part 2B Marcus Scenario ACE Application: 50 points

Standards Alignment

InTASC Standards 2 & 3
CAEP Standard 1
GSU Conceptual Framework: Knowledge, Skills, and Dispositions
LAER Domains 2 & 3

Requirements: Completed Assignment

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