BROWN BAG SPECIAL INTEREST GROUP MEETING XVIII: SUPPORTING STUDENTS THROUGH SCHOOL-COMMUNITY APPROACHE

Prevention science offers us knowledge for advancing the health, wellbeing, and academic success of school-age children but strategies for getting the knowledge into systems that can have a positive impact require a coordinated, sustainable approach between school and community partners. Such a strategy for student well-being must encompass evidence-based prevention, early identification, and clinical services, built on systemic changes around financing, capacity building, and professional development. It replaces silo-ed healthy child/youth development initiatives with a coordinated approach that links community services through school-connected models. At this SIG, CHHCS staff will 1) explore the current science on social and emotional issues and academic development; 2) lead a discussion on prevention policy and practice that incorporates this knowledge into how schools and communities can create supportive, health-promoting learning environments; and 3) elicit suggestions and recommendations about how best to advance this approach.