The authors identify the school settings as being one of the most influential aspects of a person's cognitive and social development. However, based on the lack of research at the time, there seemed to not be enough evidence to support that school implemented mental health programs would provide the same effectiveness as clinical programs.
One of the common pushbacks on mental health programs, still, is the lack of funding and resources. However, the authors acknowledge that a program focusing on mental health shouldn't require extreme additional resources. It should be considered how programs work best when they are integrated when they all work together to focus on the overall wellbeing of the students.
While mental health was once a taboo topic that was not talked about, let alone publicly acknowledged, recent widespread awareness and support have worked to decimate the generations of stigma around the topic. However, even though many national programs have emerged, programs in schools have not. Personally, I think that with so much media around mental health, youth can have so many more questions and without appropriate support set in place for them they can be left confused and ashamed. Although this article was published in 2010, I believe that mental health programs have still not received the priority that they should in schools. Until then, I think that it's up to us to be caring, supportive and approachable for our students. We must also be knowledgable about resources that can be accessible to our students when they need them. We may not have control over the entire educational system, but within the walls of our classrooms, we can create the environments that our students need.
Reference: Atkins, M. S., Hoagwood, K. E., Kutash, K., & Seidman, E. (2010). Toward the integration of education and mental health in schools. Administration and Policy in Mental Health and Mental Health Services Research, 37(1–2), 40–47.
I agree with your assessment that mental health programs and support out to be a more wide-spread and consistently integrated part of public schooling. If our approach as teachers is to educate the whole person, a person's mental health and well-being ought not be overlooked. I know my school site has a dedicated SAP counselor and several small-group settings for students to receive mental health support, but many sites are not so fortunate. As you say, until consistent availability of mental health supports become the norm, it is up to teachers to make sure their classroom space is a place where a student's mental well-being is taken as seriously as their academic performance.
ReplyDeleteMental health programs in K-12 settings are essential. Providing these types of supports for students is of high value toward the overall well-being and academic success of students. Your point concerning how we as educators must be knowledgeable about these types of resources and making them accessible to students is critical. This is a function of proper training on SEL and effective implementation in school systems. Thanks for your post.
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