Creating Safe and Supportive Schools and Fostering Students' Mental Health

Michael L. Sulkowski is Assistant Professor in the School Psychology Program and Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Arizona, USA.Philip J. Lazarus is past-President of the National Association of School Psychologists and Associate Professor and Director of the School Psychology Training Program at Florida International University, USA.

"This is a must-read for all teachers, administrators, and support staff. Research-based information and engaging interviews with experts in the field make this a unique resource. As a school principal (and now an educator of principals and other administrators), crisis responder, and school psychologist, I value the strategies provided for topics ranging from school-wide prevention to targeted interventions for victimized and at-risk students. We know that school safety and mental health are interwoven, and this book provides a comprehensive foundation for making our schools safe and supportive."--Cathy Paine, Special Programs Administrator, Springfield School District, Springfield, OR"This essential, nuts-and-bolts book details how educators can help all children be safe, supported, and successful in schools. Those who read these chapters will be better prepared to help students reach their full personal and academic potential. An outstanding contribution informed by real-world experiences, it should be required reading for all educators."--William Pfohl, Emeritus Professor of Psychology, Western Kentucky University, USA, and Past President of the National Association of School PsychologistsWith Creating Safe and Supportive Schools, Sulkowski and Lazarus are filling a niche that has been missing in the past, and that is especially relevant given the current socio-political environment. In particular, there is a lack of attention paid in teacher education programs to classroom behavior management, and to coping with issues of mental health in the classroom. Based on the recent, violent acts in schools and communities, I foresee many educators being interested in this book.-- Anisa N. Goforth, Director of School Psychology Graduate Training Programs, University of Montana-Missoula, USA

• Table of ContentsForeword Section I: Creating Safe and Emotionally Healthy Schools1. The Evolving Role of Educators 2. Safe and Supportive Schools Section II: Fostering Students’ Mental Health3. The Importance of Providing Mental Health Services in the Schools 4. The Promise of Social-Emotional Learning 5. Universal Interventions to Support the Mental Health of All Students6. Resilient Classrooms & Targeted and Intensive Interventions Section III: Supporting Nurturing Learning Environments 7. School Climate and Social Supports 8. School Connectedness and Engagement 9. Positive Psychology in the Schools Section IV: Improving Student Behavior10. School-Wide Positive Behavior Supports 11. Effective Behavior Management Strategies Section V: Identifying and Helping Vulnerable, Victimized, and At-Risk Youth 12. Bully Prevention and Intervention 13. Childhood Emotional and Behavioral Disorders 14. Highly Vulnerable Student Populations Section VI: Reducing School Violence and Preventing Suicide15. Threat Assessment and Violence Prevention 16. Suicide Assessment, Prevention, and Intervention Section VII: Preventing and Responding to Crises in the Schools17. School Crisis Prevention 18. School Crisis Intervention Afterword