Providing Social, Emotional, Behavioral, and Special Education Services in School

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/providing-social-emotional-behavioral-and-special-education-services-in-school

Introduction

### Course Review: Providing Social, Emotional, Behavioral, and Special Education Services in School In today's educational landscape, the importance of fostering social-emotional learning and mental health cannot be overstated. With the increasing awareness around mental health issues among students, the course "Providing Social, Emotional, Behavioral, and Special Education Services in School," offered through Coursera, emerges as a vital resource for educators and school administrators. This course is the third part of the School Health specialization, and it aims to equip educators with the knowledge and skills necessary to support the psychological well-being of their students. #### Course Overview The course emphasizes the interrelatedness of social-emotional skills, mental health, and academic learning. By understanding this connection, educators can create robust support systems that enhance learning environments for everyone. The curriculum is designed to empower educators with practical strategies to promote mental health, improve social-emotional skills, and ultimately foster a more supportive school environment for all students. #### Course Syllabus Breakdown 1. **Introduction to Mental Health in Schools** - The initial lessons provide a broad overview of the connection between student health and learning. This segment delves into the critical relationship between mental health and academic achievement. A notable feature of this course is the introduction of a model that schools can adopt to enhance student mental health. The stories of two students, Kelsey and Javier, are woven throughout the course, providing relatable context and illustrating the importance of support systems in various situations. 2. **Tier 1 Interventions** - Here, the focus shifts to universal interventions that promote social-emotional well-being for all students. Participants will explore various strategies to foster a positive school environment, teach social-emotional skills, respond effectively to diverse learners, and address issues like bullying and trauma. This module emphasizes prevention, equipping educators with tools to create a safe, inclusive atmosphere for every student. 3. **Tier 2 Interventions** - The second tier refers to targeted strategies aimed at students who may be at risk of developing social-emotional or behavioral issues. Educators will learn how to create actionable support plans and monitor their effectiveness using data. This segment is crucial for educators looking to refine their approach to individual student needs, ensuring that those who require additional support are not overlooked. 4. **Tier 3 Interventions** - The final module covers intensive interventions for students facing significant social-emotional and behavioral challenges. Educators will gain insights into available supports for students with special needs, including 504 plans and Individualized Education Plans (IEPs). The conclusion intertwines the journeys of Kelsey and Javier, demonstrating real-world applications of the strategies discussed throughout the course. #### Personal Insights and Recommendations As someone deeply invested in educational practices, I found this course to be an invaluable resource. The structured approach—starting with broad concepts and progressively narrowing down to specific interventions—enables educators to build a comprehensive understanding of how to address mental health needs in their classrooms. The real-life scenarios involving Kelsey and Javier serve as powerful reminders of the unique challenges many students face, making the content relatable and applicable. The course not only promotes theoretical knowledge but also emphasizes practical strategies that educators can implement, making it an essential tool for anyone involved in the educational sector. I highly recommend the "Providing Social, Emotional, Behavioral, and Special Education Services in School" course on Coursera for educators, school counselors, and administrators alike. It is a proactive step towards cultivating an educational environment where every student can thrive emotionally, socially, and academically. By taking this course, you will gain the confidence and knowledge necessary to make a meaningful impact on students' lives, paving the way for a healthier and more engaging school experience.

Syllabus

Introduction to Mental Health in Schools

In the next few lessons, you will learn broadly about the relationship between student health and learning. We will take a deeper dive to explore the relationship between mental health and learning. You will be introduced to a model schools can use to promote student mental health. Finally, you will meet two students – Kelsey and Javier. We will follow Kelsey and Javier throughout the entire course to illustrate the different supports available to promote student mental health and learning.

In this module we will learn about interventions that all students can receive to promote social-emotional well being and prevent mental health problems. You will learn about different ways that schools can promote a positive environment, teach social-emotional skills, respond to diverse learners, support students exposed to trauma, and prevent bullying and suicide.

in this module we will learn about strategies that schools use for some students who are at risk of developing social-emotional or behavioral problems. We will discuss how schools create plans and monitor the success of these interventions using data. We will provide examples of different approaches that schools can use depending on the student’s area of need, including interventions for behavior problems, social skills, bullying, and coping.

In these final lessons, you will learn about the most intensive levels of support meant for few students with significant social-emotional or behavioral challenges. You will also learn about how students with identified special needs may also be eligible for individualized supports through 504 plans and/or Individualized Education Plans. Finally, you will find out what happened with our students - Kelsey and Javier!