The Contribution of Behavioral Health to Improving Conditions for Learning and Healthy Development David Osher, Ph.D. American Institutes for Research

Institute of Medicine Report, Preventing Mental, Emotional, and Behavioral Disorders Among Young People (2009)  Mental Health & Physical Health are Inseparable  Multiple Factors contribute to MEB Disorders which are experienced at some time by 14-20% of young people  Variety of factors increase or decrease risk – Individual Competencies – Family Resources – School Quality – Community Factors  Promotion, Not Just Prevention

Shared risk factors for multiple rotten outcomes  Impulsivity  Emotion Dysregulation  The Stress Response  Insecure Relations w/ Parent, Teachers, Peers  Trauma and Adverse Childhood Experiences and Environmental Toxins (which can contribute to) the previous four

Schools as Risk Factors  Academic Frustration  Chaotic Classrooms, Public Space, & Transitions  Negative Relationships With Adults And Peers  Teasing, Bullying, Harassment, Gangs  Poor Adult Role Modeling  Segregation With Antisocial Peers  Harsh Discipline, Suspension, Expulsion, Push Out/Drop Out

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Importance of Promotion, not just prevention for well being and success  Individual Competencies – Self Regulation – Problem Solving Skills – Relationship Skills  Nurturing Environments that Promote Resilience – Healthy relations with peers and adults – Safe, Welcoming, Caring Classrooms/Schools – Connectedness

Community School Family Teachers Friends Classroom Student Where to Intervene?

Work at Three Levels Provide Individualized Intensive Supports Provide coordinated, intensive, sustained, culturally competent, individualized, child- and family- driven and focused services and supports that address needs while building assets. Intervene Early & Provide Focused Youth Development Activities Implement strategies and provide supports that address risk factors and build protective factors for students at risk for severe academic or behavioral difficulties. Build a Schoolwide Foundation Universal promotion & prevention ( caring school climate, positive and proactive approach to discipline, personalized instruction, cultural competence, and strong family involvement)

What Affects Learning Outcomes? TeachingLearning Enhanced Capacity to Realize Better Outcomes Competencies Conditions

Conditions for Learning Safety Physically safe Emotionally safe Low Risk Environments Safety Physically safe Emotionally safe Low Risk Environments Support, Care, & Connection Meaningful connection to adults Experience of Care & Respect Strong bonds to school family & other community institutions Positive peer relationships Effective and available support Support, Care, & Connection Meaningful connection to adults Experience of Care & Respect Strong bonds to school family & other community institutions Positive peer relationships Effective and available support Challenge & Engagement High expectations Educational opportunities are connected to life goals Strong personal motivation Engagement Robust opportunities to learn Challenge & Engagement High expectations Educational opportunities are connected to life goals Strong personal motivation Engagement Robust opportunities to learn Individual & Peer Social Emotional Competency Understand& Manage Emotions & Relationships Pro-social Values Good decision making Individual & Peer Social Emotional Competency Understand& Manage Emotions & Relationships Pro-social Values Good decision making Osher et al., 2008

Safety and Statewide Tests

Social and Emotional Conditions for Being Off Track

Why Are Conditions For Learning & SEL Important for Learning: The Neurochemistry and Neurobiology of Learning  Attending – Having a laser focus on one’s work – Concentrating even when there are distractions  Access to Sufficient Working Memory  Handling Stress & Negative Emotions – that interfere with learning and performance  Academic Perseverance

Key Components of Safe & Successful Schools  Academic Press  Support For Students And Faculty To Meet High Academic And Behavioral Standards  Strong Conditions For Learning And Teaching  Effective Collaboration & Coordination Between And Among All Stakeholders that Connects to Both Learning and Development  Use of the Right Data for Continuous Quality Improvement (A “Problem Solving Approach”)  3-level Approach To Promotion, Prevention And Intervention  Cultural Competence & Family Engagement