high performing school districts regarding mental health , wellness and best practices for educational leaders .
The California Healthy Kids Survey was the catalyst for this research . From the most recent survey in the state of California , data was collected from 13,859 11th grade students in more than 40 school districts . The results of this survey indicated that the 11th grade state average for students that have seriously considered suicide in the prior 12 months is 17.8percent ( 2013-2015 ; Austin , Polik , Hanson , & Zheng , 2016 ). Another important statistic from the California Healthy Kids Survey showed that 33.8percent of 11th grade students in California reported experiencing chronic feelings of hopelessness and sadness . Given these statistics , it is clear the youth in California are being affected by various social emotional concerns , which in turn can influence their academic achievement in school .
Research shows these mental health issues are impacting student learning as displayed in attendance patterns , focus issues , withdrawal from extracurricular activities , and limited classroom engagement , thereby resulting in reduced academic achievement . This is pertinent to the work of educators on school campuses as a survey conducted by the Jason Foundation showed that students stated that a teacher or counselor was the number one person to whom they would turn for helping a suicidal friend ( O ’ Donnell , n . d .). Thus , it is imperative that schools are prepared to address the mental health and wellness of their students .
Purpose of the Study
It is critical to implement programs in schools that help students develop self-efficacy , coping strategies , and mental health and wellness literacy .
At the beginning of the 2017 school year , Assembly Bill 2246 took full effect , requiring schools to address mental health , specifically suicide prevention , in grades 7-12 in California schools . A policy in each school district must be developed in consultation with school and community stakeholders , school-employed mental health professionals , and suicide prevention experts to address procedures relating to suicide prevention , intervention and postvention ( O ’ Donnell , n . d .). More and more frequently , students with mental health issues are requesting help from support services in their educational setting . These problems have reached the point that student mental health is considered one of the top five critical issues on high school and college campuses nationwide . The JED Foundation ( 2015 ) reported that , based on reports from first year college freshman , emotional preparedness is critical for college success , and thus must be integrated into the work of the high school communities in preparing their students for post-secondary education .
While the same mental health concerns of anxiety , depression , and suicidal ideation are present among students in low performing schools , the risk factors are significantly different within high-performing schools , including high levels of perfectionism , intense pressure to perform , and lack of parental connectedness . Our research showed that mental health issues ( i . e ., suicidal ideation , hopelessness / sadness , and alcohol and drug use ) in high school students are significant within high-performing schools districts in California . There was clear connection between the influence of mental health and student achievement , showing it is critical for school leaders to understand the importance of focusing on student wellness to support school wide achievement . Finally , and most importantly , we were able to investigate best practices in the field of education , focusing on mental health and wellness programs in high-performing school districts that are effectively addressing prevention , intervention , and postvention within their school district .
Results and Findings
We conducted a mixed-methods study which included surveying 56 high school principals , assistant principals and counselors about student mental health and wellness in their respective school districts . Ten current California superintendents were interviewed as well . Survey results and superintendents ’ interviews provided a number of strategies their school / district utilize to support student mental health and wellness . More specifically , the findings highlighted best practices regarding student mental health and wellness in relationship to the themes of professional development , staffing , budget and programs / services .
Manifestation of mental health issues within high-performing school districts was the starting place for study . Common themes from both survey data and interview responses emerged regarding the high level of concerns surrounding the issues of stress , depression , and anxiety . There were reported increased levels of frequency regarding the impact on students across all school districts . Both school site personnel and superintendents reported that high expectations ,
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