An Evaluation of a School District’s Mental Health Services Program Designed to Ensure a Safe and Positive Learning Environment for All

A key component to academic success is comprehensive mental health services for students. The intended purpose of this evaluation was to study the implementation of strength-based performance standards in one school district’s mental health training for all individuals preparing to work in a school-based environment. The context of my program evaluation was one large public school district in the United States operating in a state that mandates that each public school district implement a mental health services program. As part of this study, I examined the underlying concerns surrounding the large public school district’s implementation of evidence-based Mental Health Assistance Allocation Plan (MHAAP) curricula. My study identified the organizational infrastructure and accountability mechanisms created by the school district during the process of establishing an effective MHAAP. These mechanisms carry relevance for other schools, district departments, and surrounding communities that are attempting to implement an effective MHAAP