Key Themes for Scaling Effective School Mental Health Programs

This introductory chapter will provide an overview of considerations for scaling interventions, covering major themes presented in this book. Critical variables will be discussed, including building implementation systems, overcoming barriers to effective implementation, further developing a diverse workforce, and advancing interdisciplinary collaboration, including an emphasis on family and student leadership. We review the fundamental importance of developing an effective multitiered system of support (MTSS) along with an operative organizational structure for all school mental health (SMH) efforts. Key themes for effective MTSS are reviewed, such as resource mapping/needs assessment, effective teams, selecting and installing evidence-based practices, and aligning programming across tiers. Data-based decision-making is emphasized for both screening and intervention decision-making, with emphasis on equity. Foundational to this work is effective vertical collaboration (district to school) and horizontal interdisciplinary collaboration (including students and families) at district and school building levels. A critical issue facing schools is unprecedented challenges presented in the workforce, with large-scale shortages of educators and SMH staff. We offer ideas for enhancing the workforce including redistributing tasks from professionals to people with fewer credentials or less specialized training as an important and emerging strategy to scale interventions.