For the 2014-15 academic year, Buncombe schools started implementing techniques they learned in the comprehensive training sessions to fully implement the compassionate schools model. Compassionate Schools is an initiative that focuses on students who are chronically exposed to stress and trauma in their lives. The goal is to keep students engaged and learning by creating and supporting a healthy climate and culture within the school where all students can learn. Compassionate Schools focuses on 10 key principles, including: focus on culture and climate in the school and community; train and support all staff regarding trauma and learning; identify vulnerable students; and determine outcomes and strategies for continuous quality improvement.