DSW Showcase Student Presentation

Latonya Clark

MSW, BSSW

The Invisible Backpack: Addressing Trauma and Disciplinary Disparities Among African American Adolescents

Concentration - Social Work Education

Abstract

African American adolescents experience disproportionately high exposure to Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), which significantly impact their behavioral patterns, academic achievement, and overall well-being. Despite this, the educational system continues to rely on punitive disciplinary practices that fail to address the root causes of student behavior, contributing to disparities in academic outcomes and school pushout rates. This presentation explores the concept of the Invisible Backpack—a collection of trauma, chronic stressors, and adversities that disproportionately impact African American students—and its influence on racial disparities in school disciplinary practices. Grounded in research on trauma-informed care and culturally responsive pedagogy, this presentation explores the integration of Culturally Responsive School-Wide Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (CRSWPBIS) within a Trauma-Informed Care (TIC) framework. By merging these evidence-based approaches, educators and social workers can foster resilience, enhance student engagement, and reduce disciplinary disparities. By the end of this presentation, attendees will gain a deeper understanding of how trauma-informed, culturally responsive practices can create supportive learning environments that reduce disparities and promote equity. Through research-based insights and practical applications, educators and social workers will be equipped with tools to transform their classrooms and schools into spaces of healing and empowerment.

Biography

Latonya Clark, a Louisville, Kentucky native, is a dedicated professional with extensive experience in social services and education. She holds an Associate of Business Administration from Robert Morris College, where she was a student-athlete, and earned both her Bachelor’s and Master's of Social Work degrees from Spalding University. Currently, she is pursuing a Doctorate in Social Work Education at the University of Kentucky, specializing in the impact of invisible trauma on African American adolescents. Her research examines how trauma, adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), and implicit bias influence educational outcomes, emphasizing the need for systemic interventions. She integrates Culturally Responsive School-Wide Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (CRSWPBIS) with Trauma-Informed Care (TIC) to address disciplinary disparities and promote equitable education.

Latonya’s career spans over a decade in social services and education. She served 11 years as a Family Support Worker at the Department for Community Based Services before transitioning to Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) as a Family Resource and Youth Service Coordinator. In her current role as an Association Re-engagement & Transition Specialist at JCPS, she focuses on crisis intervention, trauma support, and advocacy, collaborating with school staff and community partners to enhance student well-being.

Committed to advocacy and systemic change, Latonya views education as a tool for empowerment. Inspired by lived experiences and community resilience, she strives to create pathways for healing, learning, and success for African American adolescents navigating the complexities of the educational system.