Engaging and motivating students in undergraduate statistics courses can be enhanced by using topical peer-reviewed publications for analyses as part of course assignments. Given the popularity of on-campus therapy dog stress-reduction programs, this topic fosters buy-in from students whilst providing information regarding the importance of mental…

The Roadmap presents county-level data and rankings on 20 indicators of wellness across five domains: economic development, physical health, mental health and safety, education inputs, and education outcomes. We believe these five domains capture the interconnected conditions and resources that are necessary for a child to succeed, both inside and…

At the request of President Trump in the aftermath of the Parkland shooting, a Federal Commission on School Safety was assembled to provide meaningful and actionable recommendations to maintain student safety in schools. This article summarizes the overarching points of the Commission's report and shares concerns raised the National Association of…

For many students struggling through high school closures and rapid changes to their postsecondary plans, there has been one overriding theme during the last six months: uncertainty. Instead of savoring familiar traditions and farewells, they faced months of upheaval that tossed around every aspect of their lives during a period that should have…

School psychologists have a professional and ethical responsibility to advocate for schools, communities, and systems that ensure equity and fairness for all children and youth. This requires addressing systemic issues that lead to inequitable outcomes in schools and engaging in advocacy for the broader societal and public policy issues that…

School safety and crisis prevention, preparedness, and response initiatives have become standard operating procedures in schools throughout the USA. PREPaRE, a comprehensive curriculum developed by school-employed mental health professionals for school-based safety and crisis response teams, has been adopted by many schools in support of such…

Auto/biographical narrative research that touches on 'sensitive' areas can elicit accounts that researchers may find distressing and threatening to their emotional and psychological health. In this paper we offer a 'confessional tale' through which we consider our experiences of investigating a sensitive and painful topic from the perspectives of…

School nurses help students with the prevention and management of chronic physical and mental health issues, but not all schools have a full-time registered nurse on their staff. The author argues that investing in school nursing has benefits that extend beyond the school and into the community.

As health education professionals, it may be easy to overlook the significance of the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing (NCHEC) Responsibilities and Competencies. This commentary discusses how Certified Health Education Specialists at one nonprofit organization brought the Responsibilities and Competencies to life as they…

This article provides an overview of Black college students and the need to focus on promoting positive mental health (PMH). Traditionally, research examining Black student's mental health has occurred from a deficits-based perspective while failing to acknowledge their fortitude in persevering despite enduring adverse circumstances (i.e. racism…

Aim: Educational practitioners are increasingly aware of trauma experiences in students as a factor in child disturbance and schooling problems. This discussion paper aims to clarify definitions of trauma and differentiate them from other adverse childhood experiences (ACE), describe trauma impact in terms of clinical outcomes (PTSD, emotional and…

Children from birth to 3 years old with complex medical needs often experience psychological issues, but there are limited services and supports to meet their needs. To bridge this gap, the authors created the Pediatric Birth to Three Clinic and Early Childhood Mental Health Program at the University of Minnesota. They describe the toxic stress…

The experience of grief after a death-related loss is endured by many, including elementary-aged, students. However, anticipatory grief, or the grieving process that begins when someone knows that a loved one is dying, can create additional challenges. This article explores how elementary-aged students grieve while anticipating a loved one's death…

It is the position of the National Association of School Nurses (NASN) that registered, professional school nurses (hereinafter referred to as school nurses) serve a vital role in promoting positive behavioral health outcomes in students through evidence-based programs and curricula in schools and communities. Behavioral health is as critical to…

This paper considers the implications of the Asian American Model Minority being framed as a solution to racial inequality, especially within education. It begins with a discussion of the origins and diversity to be found within the racial category of 'Asian American' and then moves to analyse the origins of the Asian American Model Minority…