This study used Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to develop a teacher-friendly model for understanding the relationship between children's exposure to traumatic events, such as violence exposure, and their school achievement. With a sample of 146 urban elementary (grades 2-5) children, three variables (mental health behaviors, performance-related behaviors, and standardized achievement) were examined. The model suggested that children who are exposed to violence in Year I were more delinquent and ultimately underachieved in reading in Year II. This model should help teachers identify students exposed to violence and address their social and academic needs. (Contains 5 tables and 1 figure.)