Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute has partnered with Texas districts to launch School Mental Health Executive Learning Communities. Jennifer Esterline, Vice President of Child and Family Strategy, explained, “The goal is for these communities to serve as a statewide and national model to support school districts as they develop the skills, capacity, and strategic content knowledge to provide evidence-based school mental health care to their students, faculty, and families.” School district leaders learn from Meadows Institute’s school mental health experts and collaborate with one another to expand the use of school-based mental health frameworks and evidence-based programs. Waco ISD currently participates in the North Texas School Mental Health Executive Learning Community.
By the end of this project, the participating districts are able to: (1) develop successful school-based mental health programs for their district, (2) increase access to student and educator mental health care by leveraging the school system, and (3) increase the early identification and treatment of presenting child and adolescent mental health conditions. Over the year-long project, participating school districts have access to monthly best-in-class group learning experiences and cultivated workshop collaboration. Through meaningful discussion, deep learning activities, and exclusive access to content experts, school leaders engage in a variety of topics related to school-based mental health such as access to mental health services (including telehealth), Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), workforce development, community partnerships, and sustainable funding.
Three new School Mental Health Executive Learning Communities have just opened applications. Interested districts are can learn more and apply at the links below. Applications are due February 3.
Apply Now: Advancing School Safety & Student Wellness Executive Learning Community – MMHPI – Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute This Executive Learning Community will focus on school discipline reform.
The Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute is a statewide nonprofit that provides independent, nonpartisan, data-driven and trusted policy and programmatic recommendations for creating equitable, systemic change. Learn more about their work with districts across Texas at this link.