Kern_Ch11.indd

Supporting Students with Emotional and Behavioral Problems

Prevention and Intervention Strategies

by
Lee Kern, Ph.D.
Lehigh University
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
Michael P. George, Ed.D.
Centennial School of Lehigh University
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
Mark D. Weist, Ph.D.
University of South Carolina
Baltimore • London • Sydney

Contents

  1. School Behavior Problems and Models of Prevention and Intervention
  2. Schoolwide Positive Behavior Support
  3. Assessing the Classroom Environment
  4. Managing Classroom Behavior
  5. Effective Instructional Practices
  6. Promoting Student Social Skills
  7. Preparing for Intensive Intervention
  8. Conducting a Functional Behavioral Assessment
  9. Developing an Assessment-Based Support Plan
  10. Measuring Behavior Change
  11. Enhancing Student Connectedness to School
  12. Interventions to Address Mental Health Needs

Enhancing Student Connectedness to School

THE IMPORTANCE OF STUDENT CONNECTEDNESS

In one of the largest studies on student health, the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Resnick et al., 1997), more than 36,000 students from 7th through 12th grades were surveyed on risk, protective, and personal adjustment factors. A range of individual, family, and school factors were found to be associated with positive student adjustment including school connectedness, family–child connectedness, high expectations among parents for school achievement, and student involvement in religious activities.

Notably, student connectedness to school was found to be the most powerful factor in protecting male and female students from substance use, early sexual involvement, excessive school absences, and exposure to injury and violence (Resnick et al., 1997). Another large-scale study of more than 11,000 students in Canada also found engagement in school to be a critical factor in students staying in school (Archambault, Janosz, Fallu, & Pagani, 2009).

An important finding is that when students do not feel connected to school, they disengage, usually before high school, and are at significant risk of later dropout (Orthner et al., 2010). It is important to keep students engaged, because dropout is associated with many other problems in life, including greater unemployment, poorer lifetime wages earned, more health problems, and increased incarceration (Heckman & LaFontaine, 2007; Tyler & Lofstrom, 2009).

GENERAL THEMES IN PROMOTING STUDENT CONNECTEDNESS

Strategies described in this chapter are based on the presumption of 1) the school's commitment to enhancing student connectedness and 2) having a team of interdisciplinary staff (e.g., school psychologist, counselor, assistant principal, teachers, nurse, parent[s], school resource officer, others) guiding implementation and ongoing quality improvement of student support, prevention, and intervention.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, 2009), identified four critical themes to enhance student connectedness:

  1. Support offered to students by adults
  2. Student belongingness to a positive peer group
  3. Student commitment to education
  4. A positive school environment

These factors can promote significant increases in student engagement and connections to school.

TIER 1 STRATEGIES TO INCREASE STUDENT CONNECTEDNESS

Parent or Family Involvement in School
The more parents and other family members are involved in school and their child’s education, the better the outcomes for individual students. Staff members should convey a collaborative and positive attitude towards families and demonstrate engagement with individual students.

Enhancing Protective Factors
Protective factors can either be internal (e.g., self-esteem, problem-solving ability) or external (e.g., positive life events, high levels of social support), playing a vital role in promoting resilience among youth. Schools can employ the following protective factors:

Improving Classroom Environments

The classroom environment heavily influences students’ feelings of connectedness. Engaging classrooms focus on academic engagement and supportive interactions among students and staff.

Developing Student Aspirations

Efforts to connect school with student aspirations can enhance student engagement by developing an environment that empowers students.

Mentoring Programs

Structured mentoring can effectively enhance school engagement and positively influence student outcomes, supporting the needs of students who may require additional assistance.

By implementing strategies across the tiers outlined, schools can enhance student connectedness, thus promoting well-being and academic success.