Dr. Rui Dionisio
Special to the USA TODAY Network
In a world fraught with challenges, our responsibility as educators and leaders takes on an even more vital role as we navigate the evolving needs of our students. At a time when their overall well-being hangs in the balance, a concerning discussion is unfolding — an attempt to undermine the bedrock of support for mental health education.
As we grapple with this issue, it’s essential to understand that mental health education is not an ancillary concern. It establishes the necessary groundwork for social-emotional learning, which enhances academic achievements and equips today’s students with strategies for future success. Mental health education underpins academic accomplishments and future triumphs. When paired with a supportive, inclusive school environment, it guarantees every child’s health, safety and welfare. But the discourse has now shifted into an attempt to defund essential mental health education at a time when students need it most. If we allow this to happen, we not only jeopardize student access to learning but hinder their long-term development as productive members of society.
An assault on our most vulnerable students equates to an attack on the core of public education. My deep-seated apprehension arises from the real prospect that stripping away or willfully ignoring mental health support will yield catastrophic consequences. Removing these services is not only a deviation from best practices but could be better described as malpractice. The moment that a school board refuses to act upon a clear need — like mental health — is the moment that the school district has limited the potential of its students.
According to released CDC data, nearly 3 in 5, or 57%, U.S. teenage girls felt persistently sad or hopeless in 2021 — double that of boys — representing a nearly 60% increase and the highest level reported over the past decade. Public learning institutions bear a solemn and legal obligation to educate every child, even those facing the most formidable challenges, including the most mentally fragile. School boards and the educators they employ are bound by a profound responsibility to furnish the essential resources to all students, regardless of their needs, to nurture the minds and souls of future generations.
Our steadfast commitment to student well-being remains unwavering in the face of challenges and conflict. Mental wellness certification programs are a beacon of hope in an often tumultuous world. Offering these programs showcases dedication to mental health as a fundamental pillar of our educational ethos. By embracing these programs, we clearly announce — to our students, parents and community — our intention to uplift mental wellness within our educational ecosystem, creating an environment where every student can thrive without shame or hesitation in seeking help.
Early intervention and prevention lie at the heart of this endeavor. Certification programs empower school personnel to identify and address potential mental health concerns in their nascent stages, preventing escalation into more severe challenges. Equipping educators, staff and students with the knowledge and tools to recognize signs of distress with access to support is a transformative step to shatter the mental health stigma and nurture an atmosphere where seeking help is viewed as an act of strength and self-awareness rather than vulnerability.
Investing in mental wellness pays dividends. The Aspen Institute National Commission highlights the connections between social, emotional and academic development. Prioritizing mental health education aligns with preparing students for academic excellence and fulfilling lives.
Yet challenges persist. Some undermine our efforts, seeking to strip away the vital lifelines for students. A deeply saddening situation emerges where our students and families, burdened by mental health challenges, are compelled to open up about their traumas, all in a bid to safeguard the essential programs that play a paramount role in ensuring their overall well-being. We cannot let this happen.
Engaging in this dialogue guards against societal apathy or the assumption that others will bear the responsibility. We cannot idly stand aside, merely wishing for better outcomes. We must all contribute to ensure success. As stewards of the future, we are ethically bound to provide the necessary support and services. Mental wellness certification programs empower staff to provide immediate care when crisis strikes, ensuring students do not suffer in silence.
Marc A. Brackett, director of the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence, states, “When schools recognize that emotions drive much of how and what we learn, students and educators flourish.” Our investment in mental wellness benefits our students, staff and the entire community. By embracing these initiatives, we pave a future where mental health needs are acknowledged and met and every student thrives. Challenges are opportunities for growth. Our unwavering priority must be students’ well-being.
Together, let us forge a brighter, more resilient future — one where mental health is recognized and nurtured and every student’s potential can truly be realized.
Dr. Rui Dionisio is serving in his 10th year as a superintendent of schools in New Jersey. His views are shared here in his capacity as a private citizen. They are not representative of a board of education, its individual members or a school district and solely represent his own opinions.
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