Jan 4, 2018, (Canada) Estevan (SK) Mercury: Cornerstone board learns more about student supports http://www.estevanmercury.ca/news/business-energy/cornerstone-board-learns-more-about-student-supports-1.23133834 The South East Cornerstone Public School Division’s (SECPSD) board heard a presentation on supports for student wellbeing and wellness during the board’s final meeting of 2017 on Dec. 20. Cheryl Anderson, the co-ordinator of student services, explained why the school division is focusing on this initiative, the initial steps that have been taken and future plans. In studying the data in the Our School report, the division says it is aware that it has students with moderate to high levels of anxiety, as reported by approximately 25 per cent of students in grades 4-12. … Some of the main actions that the division is undertaking are researching programs and promoting effective practices in developing wellness in students through looking at what other school divisions are doing, researching a system wide plan around wellness, developing a committee to discuss staff wellness and at present, having three schools pilot the Canadian Mental Health Literacy Curriculum resource in Grade 9 health or Grade 10 wellness. The division’s plan of action includes mental health first aid training, which was held this month for all of the Grade 9 health teachers, through a partnership with mental health who provided two trainers who taught six modules, including self-harm, eating disorders and anxiety. In addition, the Ministry of Education offered school divisions a grant to a maximum of $8,000 to provide the training, which will help with mileage and substitute costs. … In addition, Anderson will meet on Jan. 31 with division counsellors regarding the creation of wellness walls in schools. Further, a professional development hub was provided through an online delivery model incorporating teacher choice. …
Childhood Lost
Children today are noticeably different from previous generations, and the proof is in the news coverage we see every day. This site shows you what’s happening in schools around the world. Children are increasingly disabled and chronically ill, and the education system has to accommodate them. Things we've long associated with autism, like sensory issues, repetitive behaviors, anxiety and lack of social skills, are now problems affecting mainstream students. Blame is predictably placed on bad parenting (otherwise known as trauma from home).
Addressing mental health needs is as important as academics for modern educators. This is an unrecognized disaster. The stories here are about children who can’t learn or behave like children have always been expected to. What childhood has become is a chilling portent for the future of mankind.