Spotlight Event: Systems to Support Students' Mental and Behavioral Health

Thursday, May 16th 2024

Opening Remarks

9:00-9:35

Welcome

9:35-9:50

Mindfulness Exercise Led by Dr. Courtney Tucker

9:50-10:00

Keynote Address by Matthew Rodriguez

10:00-10:45

'I'm a Superstar!' Activity

11:00-11:45

Lunch

11:45-12:35

Breakout Session Overview

12:35-12:50

Breakout Sessions

1:05-2:00

MTSS Sustainability Checklist

2:00-2:40

Reflection & Evaluation

2:40-2:55

Massachusetts Secretary of Education:
Patrick Tutwiler

Acting Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education:
Russell Johnston

Keynote Speaker:
Matthew Rodriguez

Matthew Rodriguez started his career as a janitor and eventually became a math teacher, teacher leader, assistant principal, and principal. Matthew’s experience taught him the crucial role education plays in students' lives. Today, Matthew prepares school leaders through his work at the Equity Imperative. In his keynote, Matthew will weave together experience with research to support practitioners in their journey to ensure that school environments become sites where students and adults can heal from and respond to the conditions causing our current crisis in mental health.

BREAKOUT SESSIONS

Tools to Strengthen and Sustain Your Comprehensive Mental Health System

SALON A

Participants will be introduced to several tools designed to help assess your district’s system of mental health supports with an eye towards continuous quality improvement and sustainability. Through a comprehensive self-assessment, attendees will be able to identify what elements of a comprehensive system they have in place, what is missing, what needs improvement, and what needs sustainability efforts. At the end of the process, participants will develop an action plan for next steps toward a sustainable comprehensive mental health system.

School Mental Health Staffing Considerations: Clinical Leadership and SMH Staff Utilization

SOLARIUM

Participants will be engaged in a discussion regarding why clinical leadership and supervision are essential to developing a comprehensive school mental health system (CSMHS) and supporting the staff who are leveraged to deliver mental health services. Attendees will be provided with a review of the guiding principles and major components of implementation associated with developing a CSMHS. Additionally, presenters will provide resources and insights to inform the development of a staffing model to support delivery of mental health services.

Unlocking Student Success: Tier I Supports and Universal Screening Data

SALON B

In this session, participants will delve into the critical intersection of Tier 1 Supports and Universal Screening Data–and what they can do to advance effective Tier 1 practices to support their school community. Attendees will explore enhanced Tier 1 practices to support student mental health and well-being. Participants will also discuss how universal screening data can inform Tier 1 classroom practices and how to leverage this information to enhance the effectiveness of core curriculum.

Understanding the Massachusetts Community Mental Health Landscape

DEVENS CLUB

This session will explore the Massachusetts Community Mental Health Landscape. Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of the various components, inclusive of the Behavioral Health Help Line (BHHL), Community Behavioral Health Center’s (CBHC’s), Young Adult Access Centers, and resources within the state's Department of Mental Health. Through interactive discussions, participants will delve into key aspects such as service delivery, while exploring current challenges and opportunities in the field. During this session, participants will identify key stakeholders and their roles within the mental health landscape, explore different service delivery models of support and their impact on accessibility and quality of care, and develop strategies for collaboration and advocacy to enhance mental health services and support within the community.