1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Trauma-Informed Schools Act of 2019 . 2. Trauma-informed practices (a) Definition Section 8101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 7801 ) is amended— (1) by redesignating paragraphs (51) and (52) as paragraphs (52) and (53), respectively; and (2) by inserting after paragraph (50) the following: (51) Trauma-informed practices The term trauma-informed practices means— (A) evidence-based professional development that promotes a shared understanding among teachers, teachers assistants, school leaders, paraprofessionals, specialized instructional support personnel, and other staff that— (i) traumatic experiences are common among students; (ii) trauma can impact student learning, behavior, and relationships in school; (iii) traumatic experiences do not inherently undermine the capabilities of students to reach high expectations in academics and life; (iv) school-wide learning environments where all students and adults feel safe, welcomed, and supported can enable students to succeed despite traumatic experiences; and (v) services, supports, and programs provided to meet individual student needs should be trauma-informed, where appropriate, and increase student connection to the school-wide learning environment; (B) adoption of disciplinary procedures and practices that— (i) accompany disciplinary actions with holistic assessments and positive behavioral interventions and supports to address the underlying causes of student behavior, including trauma; (ii) avoid harsh, punitive, or exclusionary disciplinary practices; (iii) utilize evidence-based restorative practices that build a culture of trust