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
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.
Dr. Timothy Dohrer has been a classroom teacher, administrator, and consultant for over 30 years in K12 schools and higher education. He was a teacher and Principal at New Trier High School in Winnetka, Illinois, a school of 4,000 students and staff. He has also served as a Director and Assistant Professor at Northwestern University and Northern Illinois University, and an adjunct instructor at Pennsylvania State University and Northeastern Illinois University. Tim continues to serve on a variety of boards and regularly consults with schools in and around Chicago and Illinois. Tim's major areas of research include social & emotional learning, school climate, curriculum theory, teacher education, and leadership. He has B.A.'s in English and Journalism from Indiana University, an M.A. in English from Northwestern University, and a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from Pennsylvania State University. Dr. Thomas Golebiewski is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. He has worked in schools for 40 years, including 26 years as Department Chair of Social Work at New Trier High School in Winnetka, IL. Tom has served as an adjunct professor at University of Chicago's School of Social Service Administration, Northwestern University's School of Education and Social Policy, and currently at Loyola University of Chicago School of Social Work, where he is also Internship Liaison. He has a private practice in psychotherapy, counseling, and consultation in Wilmette, IL and is currently a consultant at Wolcott College Prep, an independent school in Chicago. Tom also volunteers as a Red Cross Disaster Mental Health Responder and has been a board member at A Safe Place, Lake County, IL and the Mental Health Association of the North Shore. He is a state appointed committee member of the Illinois Domestic Violence Fatality Review Commission and the Lake County Family Violence Coordinating Council. He is on the program steering committee and is a regular presenter for the Naomi Ruth Cohen Institute annual conference that addresses mental health. Dr. Golebiewski received his B.A. and M.S.W. from Loyola University in Chicago and his Ph.D. in Clinical Social Work from The Institute for Clinical Social Work in Chicago.