In May, Congresswoman Judy Chu issued a report entitled: "Strengthening Our Schools: A New Framework and Principles for Revising School Improvement Grants." Rather than the usual limited two-component blueprint framework that focuses only on instruction and management/governance, Representative Chu's report adopts a three-component framework. This…

To provide some additional guidance for transforming student and learning supports, the Center at UCLA has compiled a new resource aid summarizing a set of frameworks. As with most Center resources, the document is immediately accessible online at no cost and with no restrictions on its use. The document outlines frameworks for reframing…

There are relatively few major federal programs focused directly on advancing a systemic approach to mental health in schools. One such program is the U.S. Department of Education's grant program entitled: "Integration of Schools and Mental Health Systems." Established in 2005, the program has funded 51 projects and is in the process of funding…

In 2005, the U.S. Department of Education implemented a grant program for the Integration of Schools and Mental Health Systems. As described on the Department's website, "this program provides grants to SEAs, LEAs, and Indian tribes for the purpose of increasing student access to quality mental health care by developing innovative programs that…

Although mental health in schools is discussed at many levels, fundamental differences in varying perspectives, attitudes, and vested interests result in divergent agendas for policy, practice, research, and training. This may confuse stakeholders and provide a source of conflict between policy and practice. This brief highlights a starter list of…

Our analysis of California's state department of education's Request for Proposals (RFP) for a project to "Build Collaboration for Mental Health Services in California Schools" leads us to underscore both the opportunity presented by the proposed work and the potential for serious unintended negative consequences. This brief is designed to share…

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has been holding a series of stakeholder meetings focused on better understanding and planning for schools to be transformative environments for mental health, positive youth development, and academic achievement. This issue of the quarterly newsletter of the Center for Mental…

This report stems from an invitation to the Center staff to reflect on the past, present, and future of mental health in schools for a brief presentation. Because the topic is so broad, we knew that the request for a "brief" overview would not provide sufficient detail. Anyone who has spent time in schools can itemize the multifaceted mental…

It is long been acknowledged that psychosocial and mental health concerns must be addressed if schools are to function satisfactorily and students are to learn and perform effectively. This reality is reflected in the aims of the No Child Left Behind Act and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. And, it is consonant with the goals and…

The internet is emerging as the single most important dissemination tool. For many professionals, it is the primary way they access information and resources. Thus, analyses of what is and isn't online are essential in advancing the internet's value for enterprises such as the New Freedom Initiative. This report presents analyses of a synthesis of…

This issue of the quarterly newsletter of the Center for Mental Health in Schools is devoted to matters related to advancing the field. Features and regular segments include: (1) Sustaining and Scale-up: It's About Systemic Change; (2) Mental Health in Schools: Where is the Field Going?; (3) Advancing the Field: Everyone Can Play A Role; (4) The…