NHASP’s Key Messages

Healthy, effective learning environments start with healthy, focused kids.

●      NH children who have 1 or more emotional, behavioral, or developmental conditions has increased from 46,000 in 2007 to 52,000 in 2011-2012 (Kids Count Data, 2015) – an increase of 5%.

●      NH students bring many physical health and mental health burdens with them to school every day.      29% receive free or reduced lunch, 22% report bullying in the past year, and 11% live in poverty (Kids   Count Data, 2015).

Healthy learning environments require schools to ensure access to a range of mental and behavioral health services.

●      No matter how good the curriculum and instruction are, a negative learning environment, and poorly developed social and emotional learning competencies will interfere with student outcomes.

●      Students who receive instruction in social emotional competencies score 11 percentage points higher on academic outcomes.

●      Schools that provide comprehensive behavioral and mental health services have improved outcomes.

School psychologists are uniquely qualified to provide mental and behavioral health services in the school setting.

●      School psychologists provide comprehensive services within the learning environment to support the social-emotional well-being of our children.

●      School psychologists provide mental and behavioral health services that are proven to increase academic performance.

●      School psychologists can collaborate with and lead other school employed mental health service providers.

●       Families and children are more likely to seek out mental health support in schools.