Schools must be learning environments that promote the health and wellness of students and staff alike.
A school environment that supports social and emotional well-being contributes to students’ academic performance, improved classroom behavior, and positive school culture.
There is increasing evidence that schools must do much more to address the mental health needs of students and staff. This will require additional training and research to identify and evaluate best practices. This research needs to address not only issues of trauma and adverse experiences but also how the increase in safety protocols, drills, and technology may contribute to students no longer perceiving schools as safe places to learn and thrive. Research conducted by the Center for Safe and Healthy Schools addresses issues related to mental health, physical health, and social and emotional well-being as contributors to safe schools.