Date

2021

ESRP 9000 Professor

Gina L. Peyton, Ed.D.

ESRP 9001 Professor

Gina L. Peyton, Ed.D.

Executive Summary

Mental health is a crisis growing at an alarming rate among youth in the United States of America. Schools are often writing disciplinary referrals for students who should be receiving mental health referrals due to the educators’ lack of knowledge. Resources for mental health are limited within the school system, and teachers are often left in the dark on how to help their students in this area. Research suggests that mental health awareness and interventions should be implemented by educational institutions. By not addressing this need, school are enabling students to withdraw emotionally and mentally.

In order to help better serve the emotional needs of students today, schools need to address mental health. This strategic research project was designed to provide solutions regarding mental health concerns at a charter school located in the southeastern part of the United States. The researcher explored strategies for implementing different resources in order to combat the lack of mental health referrals. The study included a thorough analysis of the pros, cons, and barriers of four potential solutions. Ultimately, the strategy selected for addressing the mental health needs of students was educating families on the need for a mental health curriculum. An action plan depicting roles and responsibilities was created to provide a guideline for the school’s leadership team. It is recommended that future studies explore the impact of the pandemic on students’ mental health after returning to in-person learning.

Document Type

Strategic Research Project-NSU Access Only

Degree Name

Doctor of Education (EdD)

College

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education

Language

English

Download
Share Feedback

Share

COinS