Date of Award

8-31-2026

Document Type

Open Access Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Education/Leadership in Urban Schools

First Advisor

Dr. Banwo Bodunrin

Second Advisor

Dr. Melissa Colon

Third Advisor

Dr. Tamika Jacques

Abstract

THE IMPACT OF CHILDHOOD ADVERSITY ON STUDENTS IN URBAN PUBLIC ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS: RECOGNIZING, RESPONDING, AND IMPLEMENTING INTERVENTIONS TO SUPPORT STRUGGLING STUDENTS THROUGH IN-DEPTH CONVERSATIONS WITH SCHOOL LEADERS

August 2026

Stephen P. Shaw-Lyon, A.A., Massasoit Community College

B.A., Arizona State University

M.Ed., Fitchburg State University

C.A.G.S., Bridgewater State University

Ph.D., University of Massachusetts Boston

Directed by Assistant Professor Bodunrin Banwo

This dissertation explores how adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) affect students in urban public elementary schools in Massachusetts. While the original ACE Study reshaped understanding of adult health outcomes, less research examines how trauma influences children’s academic, behavioral, and social experiences in school. Using qualitative interviews with school leaders, this study examines how principals and administrators recognize and respond to students affected by adversity and what systems of support exist within schools. The research also considers the training educators receive to address trauma in the classroom and promote equitable learning environments for students impacted by adversity.

Comments

Free and open access to this work is made available to the UMass Boston community by ScholarWorks at UMass Boston. Those not on campus and those without a UMass Boston campus username and password may gain access to this work through Interlibrary Loan. If you have a UMass Boston campus username and password and would like to download this work from off-campus, click on the “Off-Campus Users” button.

Download

Share

COinS