Welcome to the simulation titled At-Risk for Elementary School. This is a transcript of the simulation designed for screen readers.
In the first section, learn the warning signs of psychological distress and better understand your role in the early-intervention process. Then, you’ll learn EASING techniques for broaching sensitive topics without making students and parents defensive. You’ll hear example conversations of a teacher talking with a parent about a student’s behavior. You’ll learn techniques to listen actively which encourages a student or parent to open up. You’ll hear example conversations of a teacher trying to encourage a student to open up about his situation. Finally, you’ll learn how to connect a student with the help they need and recognize the risk factors and warning signs of suicidal thoughts.
JACKIE: I’m Jackie Torres and I’ve worked in school mental health for over 15 years. During that time, I’ve spoken to so many teachers and school staff who are concerned about students who may be struggling with psychological distress but aren’t sure how to help. I know you're an educator, not a counselor or psychologist. I don't expect you to diagnose students or address these issues on your own. However, you, and teachers like you, know our students better than almost any other adult in their lives.
You’re in a great position to connect with students and to connect students who need help to people trained to help them. This can make a lifetime of difference, not only for students, but for their families and communities, as well. Our hope is that you’ll also see some improvements in student performance, attendance, and school climate and safety.
Now what do I mean by “psychological distress?” Maybe something at home or school is causing them pain. Maybe they’ve been exposed to a traumatic event. Or maybe they’re starting to show signs of a mental health disorder, like anxiety, depression, a disruptive disorder, or an attention disorder. According to the CDC, 13-20% of children living in the U.S. experience a mental disorder in a given year; that’s as many as one out of five.
So we do have many at-risk students in our school system, and these aren’t always the students who stand out as being troubled. In fact, any student could be at-risk. Luckily, our school counselors and other mental health professionals are trained to help these students and connect them with resources in and outside of the school. By the way, when you hear me talk about school counselors, please know that, in your school, that person might have another title or role. It’s important that you know who is the right person in your school to go to for support.