Full Description
Place mental health at the heart of schooling
Our students have always needed our support, but recent events have brought to the forefront the challenges K-12 schools face in supporting their mental health. Now is the time to transform schools into safe and healthy places that enable students not only to learn but thrive.
Based on decades of research and proven examples from education professionals and the authors, experts in school leadership and social work, The Schools We Need Now highlights the importance of placing mental health at the heart of schooling and shares a vision for schools that prioritizes student well-being. Inside you'll discover:
Practical ways to improve school climate and mitigate the effects of students' stress, trauma, depression, and anxiety
Preventive activities, school transition and crisis response plans, and community collaboration strategies
How to create a comprehensive Mental Health Action Plan that is grounded your school's culture and climate
Examples of schools, classrooms, and organizations that are on the leading edge of creating the schools we need now
For every educator who wants to ensure a healthy and equitable school environment for all students, The Schools We Need Now shows you how to create a safe place that protects and supports their academic, social, emotional, and physical growth.
Contents
Foreword
Chapter 1: The Need for Mentally Healthy Schools
Why is Mental Health important in schools?
Creating a Mental Health Action Plan
Overview of the Book and your Plan
A Call to Action
Creating Your Mental Health Action Plan: A Template
Chapter 2: Mental Health and Mental Models
Mental Model: A Developmental Model for the Whole Child
Mental Model: A Whole-School Systems Thinking Approach
Mental Model: A Culture of Caring
Mental Model: A Continuum of Care
Mental Model: Thinking Differently about Mental Health
Mental Model: A Multi-Tiered Systems of Support Approach to Mental Health
Conclusion: Mental Models as the Foundation of your Action Plan
Chapter 3: Tier 1 Mental Health: Universal Supports for All
Tier 1: What do we mean by "universal"?
Tier 1 as Prevention and Early Intervention
Universal Challenges to Everyone
Safety First: "Maslow before you Bloom"
Stigma and stereotypes
Disconnection from Relationships and Community
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Tier 1 Interventions
Social and Emotional Learning
Physical Learning and Wellness
Academic and Cognitive Learning
Chapter 4: Tier 2 Issues and interventions for students, teachers, and parents...and schools!
Tier 1 and Tier 2 Screeners: Building an Early Detection System
Internalized behaviors: Stress, Anxiety, and Trauma
Impact of Stress
School Refusal
The Window of Tolerance
Related Tier 2 Issues: Loneliness, Isolation, Grief, and Loss
Tier II Interventions and Strategies
Knowing the Signs of Distress
Mindfulness in Schools
Student Behavior and Discipline: A Shift to Restorative Practices
Peer helping, Mediation, Mentoring, and Tutoring
Anti-Bullying Programs
Parent/Family education, programs, and engagement
Chapter 5: Tier 3: Supporting Students and Staff with the Greatest Needs
Defining Tier 3 and how it connects to Tier 1 and 2
Defining Mental Illness
Comorbidity
Anxiety and Depression
Substance Use
Disordered Eating
Focus on Self-Harm
Suicidal Ideation
Suicide Intervention
Focus on Disruptive Behavior Disorders
Childhood trauma
Equity and Mental Illness
Focus on Neurodiversity
Tier 3 Prevention and Intervention
School Staff Expertise and Training
Parent and Family Support
Community organizations and resources
Crisis Response
Chapter 6: Integrating the Mental Health Action Plan in Your School
Begin with Belonging
Rethinking the Organization of a School
Rethinking the Physical Building
Rethinking Technology and Mental Health
Rethinking Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment
Rethinking Teachers and Instruction
Rethinking Assessment
Rethinking Transitions
Rethinking After School Activities
Rethinking School Context and Community Assets
Implementing a Comprehensive Mental Health Action Plan
A School that is Changing the Game: Wolcott College Prep
Conclusion
Appendix A: Mental Health Action Plan Template
