From Tears to Tiers: Mental Health & PBIS in Schools

Students living with a mental illness are more likely to drop out of school, enter the juvenile justice system, and die by suicide. In light of recent national tragedies in schools there is a sense of urgency to develop policies and procedures for the early detection of students living with a mental illness. School systems throughout the nation are incorporating Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) into their educational network in order to improve school climate. Within the framework of PBIS are tiered behavioral supports to address the needs of students, regardless of their emotional wellness. Layering the efforts of school mental health and PBIS allows students to increase their capacity to live, love, laugh and learn. This session will guide participants through the process of integrating school mental health and PBIS. Data gathered and analyzed via universal screeners provides valuable data for the early detection of risk factors associated with behavioral health. Participants will learn how to differentiate between internalizing and externalizing behaviors. For students needing additional support beyond Tiers I and II an efficient referral process is essential to connect families and service providers. Presenters will illustrate key elements and critical components of a working referral system. The session will highlight several tiered interventions which help connect the dots between mental health and PBIS