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

The New IOM FAN”

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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

FamilyTeachersFriends

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

ActivitiesImplement 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 FoundationUniversal promotion & prevention ( caring school

climate, positive and proactive approach to discipline, personalized instruction, cultural competence, and strong

family involvement)

What Affects Learning Outcomes?

Teaching Learning

Enhanced Capacity to Realize Better

Outcomes

Co

mp

eten

cies

Conditions

Conditions for Learning

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

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

Osher et al., 2008

Safety and Statewide Tests

School Safety Challenge0.00

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Writing Math Reading Science

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Social and Emotional Conditions for Being Off Track

School Safety Challenge Student Support240

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Off Track On Track

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Little Books: Reading

Achievement

Everyday Mathematics: Math

Achievement

SEL Programs Academic

Performance

SEL Programs Social Emotional Skills

12

611

23

Comparing What Works Clearing House Improvement Indices for 2 Evidence-based Reading and Math Programs with the Aggregate Improvement Index for all interventions in the

CASEL Meta-Analysis of 207 SEL Programs

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