The Contribution of Behavioral Health to Improving Conditions for Learning and Healthy Development
David Osher, Ph.D.American Institutes for Research
Institute of Medicine Report, Preventing Mental,
Emotional, and Behavioral Disorders Among Young
People (2009)
Mental Health & Physical Health are Inseparable
Multiple Factors contribute to MEB Disorders which are experienced at some time by 14-20% of young people
Variety of factors increase or decrease risk– Individual Competencies– Family Resources– School Quality– Community Factors
Promotion, Not Just Prevention
Shared risk factors for multiple rotten outcomes
Impulsivity Emotion Dysregulation The Stress Response Insecure Relations w/ Parent, Teachers,
Peers Trauma and Adverse Childhood Experiences
and Environmental Toxins (which can contribute to) the previous four
Schools as Risk Factors Academic Frustration Chaotic Classrooms, Public
Space, & Transitions Negative Relationships With
Adults And Peers Teasing, Bullying, Harassment,
Gangs Poor Adult Role Modeling Segregation With Antisocial
Peers Harsh Discipline, Suspension,
Expulsion, Push Out/Drop Out
The New IOM FAN”
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Importance of Promotion, not just prevention for well being and success Individual Competencies
– Self Regulation
– Problem Solving Skills
– Relationship Skills
Nurturing Environments that Promote Resilience
– Healthy relations with peers and adults
– Safe, Welcoming, Caring Classrooms/Schools
– Connectedness
Community
School
FamilyTeachersFriends
Classroom
Student
Where to Intervene?
Work at Three Levels
Provide Individualized Intensive Supports
Provide coordinated, intensive, sustained, culturally competent, individualized, child- and family- driven and focused services and
supports that address needs while building assets.
Intervene Early & Provide Focused
Youth Development
ActivitiesImplement strategies and
provide supports that address risk factors and
build protective factors for students at risk for severe
academic or behavioral difficulties.
Build a Schoolwide FoundationUniversal promotion & prevention ( caring school
climate, positive and proactive approach to discipline, personalized instruction, cultural competence, and strong
family involvement)
What Affects Learning Outcomes?
Teaching Learning
Enhanced Capacity to Realize Better
Outcomes
Com
pete
ncie
s
Conditions
Conditions for Learning
Safety
• Physically safe• Emotionally safe
• Low Risk Environments
Support , Care, & Connection
• Meaningful connection to adults• Experience of Care & Respect
• Strong bonds to school family & other community institutions• Positive peer relationships
• Effective and available support
Challenge & Engagement
• High expectations• Educational opportunities are
connected to life goals• Strong personal motivation
Engagement • Robust opportunities to learn
Individual & Peer Social Emotional
Competency
• Understand& Manage Emotions & Relationships• Pro-social Values
• Good decision making
Osher et al., 2008
Safety and Statewide Tests
School Safety Challenge0.00
0.05
0.10
0.15
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0.25
0.30
0.35
Writing Math Reading Science
Cor
rela
tion
Bet
wee
n PS
AE
Test
s an
d C
ondi
tions
for L
earn
ing
(Chi
cago
)
Social and Emotional Conditions for Being Off Track
School Safety Challenge Student Support240
260
280
300
320
Off Track On Track
Mea
n Sc
ale
Scor
e
0
5
10
15
20
25
Little Books: Reading
Achievement
Everyday Mathematics: Math
Achievement
SEL Programs Academic
Performance
SEL Programs Social Emotional Skills
12
611
23
Comparing What Works Clearing House Improvement Indices for 2 Evidence-based Reading and Math Programs with the Aggregate Improvement Index for all interventions in the
CASEL Meta-Analysis of 207 SEL Programs
Why Are Conditions For Learning & SEL Important for Learning: The Neurochemistry and Neurobiology of Learning
Attending– Having a laser focus on one’s work – Concentrating even when there are
distractions Access to Sufficient Working Memory Handling Stress & Negative Emotions
– that interfere with learning and performance Academic Perseverance
Key Components of Safe & Successful Schools Academic Press Support For Students And Faculty To Meet High
Academic And Behavioral Standards Strong Conditions For Learning And Teaching Effective Collaboration & Coordination Between
And Among All Stakeholders that Connects to Both Learning and Development
Use of the Right Data for Continuous Quality Improvement (A “Problem Solving Approach”)
3-level Approach To Promotion, Prevention And Intervention
Cultural Competence & Family Engagement