WILMINGTON, MA — Superintendent Mary DeLai recently presented the Wilmington School Committee with an update on the work of the district’s Behavioral Health Task Force during the 2015-2016 school year.
Task Force’s Vision
The Task Force envisions a school system that will have a “strong district wide approach and framework that ensures a safe, nurturing and inclusive environment where students can develop coping skills, resiliency, and independence.”
Task Force’s Mission
The Task Force strives to “collaborate with parents, community partners and school personnel to prove the social, emotional and physical health and wellbeing of our students.” The Task Force is committed to “developing programs that encourage students to live healthy lifestyles, make healthy choices and build healthy relationships.” The Task Force’s ultimate goal is student achievement and personal success.
Task Force’s Core Beliefs
The Task Force believes:
- Students and families have the right to feel safe, to be respected, to feel socially and emotional supported, and to learn in a nurturing environment.
- Teachers must be empowered with strategies and skill to support students unsuccessful learning, healthy decision-making, and the attainment of student potential.
Task Force’s Definition of “Behavioral Health”
The Task Force defines “behavioral health” as “an interdisciplinary approach that promotes well-being and supports an individual’s ability to deal with challenges in everyday life.”
Task Force’s Working Groups
The Task Force divided up into FOUR working groups:
- Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (focused on School-wide Positive Behavioral Supports)
- Behavioral Interventions (focused on Collaborative & Proactive Solutions)
- Social Emotional Learning (focused on Responsive Classroom)
- Staff Development & Parent Education
Schoolwide Positive Behavior Supports (SPBS)
During this school year, the Multi-Tiered Systems of Support Working Group trained administrators in SPBS; identified school leadership teams; developed school-wide norms and values; and began discussions of behavioral expectations linked with these norms and values.
For next school year, the working group plans on identifying data to be collected and monitored to track success; develop behavioral matrices identifying minor and major behavior and strategies to address each; have coaches work with 4 schools to implement the PBS strategies; and provide training for the identified leadership teams.
Collaborative and Proactive Solutions (CPS)
During this school year, the Behavioral Interventions Working Group arranged for training and coaching for the staff at the West, Shawsheen and Middle School (Grade 6); piloted implementations at all three schools; organized a presentation by Dr. Ross Greene – the predominant expert in CPS – to school staff; and one member of the working group became a certified CPS coach.
For next school year, the working group intends on providing training and coaching for staff at additional schools and grave levels; provide support for professional growth for those staff trained this year; organize a presentation by Dr. Ross Greene to parents; and have another working group member become a certified CPS coach.
Responsive Classroom
During this school year, the Social Emotional Learning Working Group researched curricula and narrowed choices to ‘Open Circle’ and ‘Responsive Classroom;’ visited schools using both curricula; selected ‘Responsive Classroom;’ and organized training for most Preschool and Kindergarten teachers.
For next school year, the working group will organize training for teachers at the primary grade levels in ‘Responsive Classroom;’ support Preschool and Kindergarten teachers as they pilot the curricula; and examine & refine schedules at Grades 1-5 to allow for successful implementation of the curricula for the 2017-2018 school year.
Staff Development & Parent Education
During the school year, the Staff Development & Parent Education Working Group participated in Mental Health and School Climate workshops; had 6 staff members become certified as Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) Trainers; have 51 staff members registered for upcoming YMHFA training; and organized the first annual Wilmington Behavioral Health Provider Fair.
For next school year, the working group plans to organize a Mental Health workshop series for parents; organize training in Youth Mental Health Fir Aid for parents and community members; and run another Behavioral Health Provider Fair.
School Committee Reaction
“When you first came to Wilmington, this was one of the first things you mentioned as a priority,” School Committee member Steve Bjork said Superintendent DeLai after she completed her presentation. “And I’m just so impressed with how much progress we’ve made in this regard and I thank [the Task Force] who has spent so much time on it.”
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