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Education professionals such as school administrators, teachers, school social workers, school psychologists, counselors and nurses are working together to develop local screening initiatives to address the mental health of youth in their communities. All of these staff and volunteers understand the important link between emotional well-being and academic achievement and are being driven by one fact—identifying a mental health problem early gives teens a better chance to live a happy and productive life. |
“Screening, as part of a coordinated and comprehensive school mental health program, complements the mission of schools, identifies youth in need, links them to effective services, and contributes to positive educational outcomes valued by families, schools, and communities.”
Journal of School Health, February 2007, Vol. 22, No.2 |
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Schools and Educators Are in a Key Position to Identify Mental Health Concerns Early
Across America, screening programs for youth are supported in their communities by a variety of education professionals, all of whom are in a unique position to address the issue of mental health in schools.
In 2003, President Bush’s New Freedom Commission issued a report that stressed the importance of the early identification and intervention of mental illness, highlighting the role that schools can play in expanding and improving mental health programs. Since that time, programs like TeenScreen have illustrated the great success many schools have found by offering mental health screening to the families they serve. |
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The Link Between Mental Health and Academic Performance
Research has shown that feelings of depression and hopelessness are highly correlated with a lack of motivation and effort in school, poor relationships with fellow students and teachers and diminished academic performance.
Click here to read the latest research on the link between mental health and academic achievement.
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Educators
