A Trusted Space® Film Series
A Trusted Space® Film Series offers a deep dive into the challenges educators and students continue to face in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. A much-needed response to the prolonged impacts of the pandemic, the series offers a crucial platform for recovery and resilience in educational environments.
Produced by All It Takes, A Trusted Space explores the mental health challenges that many of our students are experiencing, such as increased suicidal thoughts, disruptive behavior, and emotional distress. It goes beyond simply presenting the problems by investigating the science behind student behavior and providing insights from leading experts.
Alan Arkatov, the Executive Director of the ASU Learning Transformation Studios and Senior Advisor to ASU President Michael Crow, was among the experts interviewed for the films. He reflected on how the pandemic challenged many of us to examine our place in society, life’s meaning, and how our actions impact our lives and our communities.
Developed with support from CalHOPE and the California Department of Health Care Services, the films involve a broad array of voices from the educational community—students, teachers, administrators, counselors, and parents, all coming together to discuss solutions and strategies for fostering resilience and academic success.
A Trusted Space: Common Ground
"Common Ground: The Power of Community" is a pivotal film that addresses the divisions within educational ecosystems over critical social issues like LGBTQ+ inclusion and racial equity. This episode dives into the strained relations between schools and their communities exacerbated by the pandemic and highlights the gaps in academic and social skills that have emerged. It features honest conversations with educators, parents, and students, underscoring the necessity of empathy, understanding, and collaborative problem-solving to mend and strengthen these vital connections.
The film advocates for the power of community and the importance of grace in rebuilding ties between schools and families. It stresses the need for a supportive environment that attends to the social and emotional needs of students, urging all stakeholders to engage in constructive dialogue. "Common Ground: The Power of Community" encourages viewers to promote unity and collective action, aiming to create a more inclusive and resilient educational landscape.
A Trusted Space: Decoding Behavior
"Decoding Behavior," the latest entry in the A Trusted Space Film Series, probes the complex link between student behavior and developmental science. This film provides educators with a critical perspective for understanding and managing escalating behavioral issues and declining academic focus among students. It addresses the severe mental health challenges students face, such as soaring rates of suicidal ideation, disruptive behavior, and emotional distress, while also exploring the neurobiological mechanisms that influence these behaviors.
Highlighting the often-overlooked importance of emotional literacy in an education system predominantly focused on cognitive skills, "Decoding Behavior" emphasizes the need for a balanced education. It illustrates the crucial role educators play in creating trusted spaces where students can express themselves, connect with others, and grow. By understanding and addressing the neurobiological factors behind student behaviors, educators are equipped to foster environments that support both academic success and mental well-being. This film is a vital resource for educators looking to adopt a more empathetic and effective approach to student behavior and mental health.
Pandemic Perspectives: Asking Profound Questions
Alan Arkatov, Senior Advisor to ASU President Michael Crow and Executive Director of Learning Transformation Studios, reflects on the impact of the pandemic on societal perspectives about life's meaning. The pandemic has urged people to contemplate their contributions to society, the value of their actions, and the profound nature of our existence. Alan highlights the importance of not shielding children from these existential questions, noting that they, like adults, must grapple with understanding their role in life, albeit through a different processing lens due to their age and experience.