School Mental Wellness Leadership Teams

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It is essential to establish a dedicated team to lead the process of implementing policies and practices around social emotional learning and mental wellness, for both staff and students. In their analysis of implementation, Fixsen et al. (2001) found that having a designated team led to an 80% success rate in implementation over a 3-year period, compared to 14% success over a 17-year period for programs that did not haven such teams. Establishing appropriate teaming structures and representative membership is needed in order to:

• develop the systems and practices needed to carry out teaching and learning
• ensure that students receive equitable access to supports
• create systems that support a healthy workforce
• evaluate the program’s overall effectiveness.

At the district level, this work would be led by a team that includes cabinet level members who can make decisions regarding budgets, policy, job descriptions, professional development, and human resources.  At the school level, these efforts would be led by administration and a leadership team that reflects the voice and choice of all stakeholders within the school’s wellness efforts. District and school leadership teams should also include representatives and direct participation from families, students, and community partners.  

(NC Mental Health & Wellness Strategic Plan, 2021, p.7)