Activity

Become aware of the causes and characteristics of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and how this condition can affect a student’s educational performance.

Each year in the United States, hundreds of thousands of children and teens experience a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Ranging from mild to severe, a TBI is an injury to the brain that results from a bump or blow to the head. While this definition might seem simple, there are many misconceptions that surround TBI. To alleviate these misconceptions, you must begin to understand the causes and specific characteristics of TBI. Once you do so, you can gain a better understanding of how this condition can impact a student’s educational performance and what you can do to academically support students with a TBI.

1. Create a list of characteristics that come to mind when you think of someone with TBI.
2. Using reliable sources, research TBI and create a table that includes causes, characteristics, and facts about TBI in school-age children.
3. Compare the characteristics in your chart with the list you made before you started the Internet search. Briefly describe any misperceptions you might have had.
4. Briefly discuss how TBI can affect a student’s school performance.
5. Describe one to two accommodations that teachers can provide to support the educational progress of a student with a TBI.