UCSF HEARTS Program Evaluation:
In a study published in a School Mental Health (a peer-reviewed journal) end-of-year surveys at four schools where the HEARTS full site-based program had been implemented for more than one year, school personnel reported:
- significant increases in their understanding of trauma
- significant increases in their use of trauma-sensitive practices
- significant improvements in their students’ ability to learn, time on task, and school attendance
In addition, in the school where the HEARTS full site-based program was implemented for five years, the school experienced the following changes compared to the year prior to HEARTS implementation:
After one year of HEARTS:
- 32% decrease in total disciplinary office referral incidents
- 43% decrease in incidents involving physical aggression
After 5 years of HEARTS:
- 87% decrease in total incidents
- 86% decrease in incidents involving physical aggression
- 95% decrease in out-of-school suspensions
Information about HEARTS full site-based implementation and program evaluation has been published in the following article:
For a story about the above HEARTS school and the impact of HEARTS on promoting wellness and school success, please see: acestoohigh.com/2014/01/28/hearts-el-dorado-elementary/