#USA #New York #mental health #Presence #Move This World

Schools Struggling with Mental Health Support Systems

A new survey underscores the critical challenges schools face in establishing robust mental health support systems for students, even as the demand for such resources grows. According to the findings, nearly all educators acknowledge that mental health and behavioral issues significantly affect students' learning capabilities. However, many schools report difficulties in creating effective support systems due to misalignment and resource shortages.

Conducted for Presence, a leading provider of remote mental health and special education services, in partnership with Move This World—a proactive mental health platform—the survey reveals a concerning trend in how educational institutions address mental wellness. The Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), a framework designed to cater to diverse student needs, is not meeting its intended potential. Educators across public, charter, and private institutions frequently express that their schools' offerings are inadequate and uncoordinated.

Key Findings from the Survey

• - Overwhelming Consensus on the Importance of Mental Wellness: An astounding 98% of educators believe mental health and emotional wellness are crucial for students' academic success. Moreover, 94% agree that better alignment within support structures could lead to improved outcomes for students.
• - Resource Limitations: Despite this consensus, more than 60% of surveyed educators feel that their schools' mental health programs require significant improvement or lack effective alignment. Alarmingly, fewer than 40% believe their institutions possess the necessary resources to enhance their support systems effectively.
• - Imbalance Between Academic and Wellness Support: The survey reveals a stark disparity, with only 8% of educators strongly believing their MTSS for mental wellness is as comprehensive as their academic support mechanisms. This misalignment hampers schools' abilities to cater adequately to students' holistic needs, which encompass both mental health and academic performance.
• - Positive Outcomes from Prioritization: The survey also highlights that schools that prioritize mental wellness and ensure alignment in support programs observe favorable outcomes. Notably, 81% of educators with well-resourced and aligned MTSS report positive results, underscoring the value of a coordinated approach.

Voices from the Field

Kate Eberle Walker, CEO of Presence, articulated the urgency of this crisis, stating, "Youth mental health in America is at a tipping point. When students grapple with trauma or mental health issues like anxiety and depression, their focus on education diminishes. Schools must coordinate their intervention programs and ensure effective communication among service providers to address these concerns comprehensively."

Additionally, Sara Potler LaHayne, Founder of Move This World, echoed the sentiments by emphasizing that a well-rounded support system leads to better academic and emotional outcomes for students. She noted, "Educators are essential in navigating the contemporary challenges in education, and they require adequate resources to address them effectively."

Joelisse Galarza, Director for Mental Health and Social Emotional Learning at IDEA Public Schools, also highlighted the transition towards intentional and interconnected mental health programs that are crucial during this critical period when many students require support.

Conclusion

This survey paints a concerning picture about the state of mental health support in schools, revealing significant gaps between educators' recognition of its importance and the resources available to address these needs. As schools continue to grapple with these challenges, partnerships like those between Presence and Move This World may become increasingly vital in providing the necessary frameworks and resources to promote mental wellness among students. By prioritizing mental health alongside academic achievement, we can create educational environments conducive to student growth and success.

To read the full survey findings and learn more about the initiatives aimed at improving mental health systems in schools, visit the official websites of Presence and Move This World.