Acknowledging the pressing need for mental health support in schools, Kansas state leaders are actively addressing the well-being of students. The Kansas School Mental Health Advisory Council, having dedicated several years to guiding districts, is at the forefront of this initiative.
Trish Backman, Mental Health Coordinator at the Kansas State Department of Education, emphasized the holistic approach adopted by the council, recognizing individuals as encompassing mind, body, and spirit. Backman stated, “I am a huge believer that we are mind, body, and spirit. We are not just created in an abyss. I know that we have three different things we focus on.”
An updated toolkit from the Kansas School Mental Health Advisory Council incorporates policy recommendations for schools when dealing with students in crisis. The toolkit now includes guidance for suicide intervention and the reintegration process post-treatment, such as after a stay at a psychiatric residential treatment facility. Backman emphasized the importance of connecting students with their families during this reintegration phase.
The discussion on mental health in Kansas schools unfolded during a Kansas State Department of Education meeting, where concerns were raised about state standards related to social and emotional health. Some individuals advocated for an end to these standards, asserting that public schools should focus solely on core subjects like math, reading, language arts, science, and history.
However, Betty Arnold, a State Board of Education member and Chair of the School Mental Health Advisory Council, countered these calls, emphasizing the significance of mental health services. Arnold stated, “Well, if you eliminate mental health services, then you’re saying a significant number of kids in our school system don’t matter.”
Backman, approaching the issue from a teacher’s perspective, underscored the vital role teachers play in recognizing and addressing students’ emotions. She expressed the importance of helping students understand the impact of their emotions, distinguishing between harmful and beneficial feelings.
During the meeting, educators and a former student voiced support for social and emotional learning. Backman shared data indicating that 79% of calls to the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline in Kansas come from foster children. However, she emphasized that mental health is a universal issue affecting youths across the state, irrespective of their backgrounds. As Kansas continues to prioritize mental health in schools, these discussions and initiatives are poised to shape the educational landscape for the well-being of students.
