JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — Gov. Jay Nixon this past week signed legislation to give Missouri teachers support in working with traumatized children.

The new law calls for the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to give intensive training to five schools in what’s called the trauma-informed approach. The idea is based on research on how trauma affects children’s brains.

Clinical psychologist Jerry Cox trains some Missouri schools in the approach. He says trauma sometimes is the reason why children lash out, withdraw or miss school.

Cox says understanding that can help teachers better address children’s behavior and get them back on track to learning.

The law takes effect Aug. 28, and the education department still is planning how to implement it.

The agency also must provide resources in the trauma-informed approach online.