Public school curriculum; require instruction in mental illness as part of Health Education.
Impact
The bill outlines specific educational objectives, including destigmatizing mental illness, recognizing signs and symptoms, employing positive coping techniques for stress, and utilizing professional resources for mental health concerns. By potentially addressing these areas, the legislation seeks to equip students with knowledge and tools that could improve mental well-being among the youth, thereby fostering a healthier school environment.
Summary
House Bill 139 mandates that public schools in Mississippi include instruction on mental illness and mental health as part of the health education curriculum, starting from the 2022-2023 school year. This initiative is aimed at enhancing student education on mental health issues, ensuring they gain an understanding of mental health problems and an awareness of the associated myths and realities. The bill requires age-appropriate mental health instruction to be integrated into the curriculum across various grade levels.
Contention
Furthermore, HB139 obligates local school districts to provide in-service training on mental illness for licensed school employees. This training ensures that educators are well-equipped to recognize the signs of mental illness in students. The content and materials for this training will be developed in collaboration with the State Department of Mental Health. While these provisions are generally seen as positive advancements in mental health education, there may be concerns regarding the allocation of funding and resources for implementation.
Additional_notes
In conclusion, HB139 aims to promote mental health education in public schools, contributing to a larger societal goal of reducing stigma surrounding mental illness and improving access to mental health resources for students. This comprehensive approach highlights the importance of mental health in educational settings and represents a significant step towards integrating mental health awareness into the overall wellness of students in Mississippi.
Relating to consideration of the mental health of public school students in training requirements for certain school employees, curriculum requirements, educational programs, state and regional programs and services, and health care services for students.
Relating to consideration of the mental health of public school students in training requirements for certain school employees, curriculum requirements, counseling programs, educational programs, state and regional programs and services, and health care services for students and to mental health first aid program training and reporting regarding local mental health authority and school district personnel.
Relating to the foundation curriculum, the establishment of the instructional materials allotment, and the adoption, review, and purchase of instructional materials and technological equipment for public schools.
Relating to the foundation curriculum, the establishment of the instructional materials allotment, and the adoption, review, and purchase of instructional materials and technological equipment for public schools.
Relating to the instructional materials and technology allotment, open education resource instructional materials, and the State Board of Education long-range technology plan.
Relating to the instructional materials and technology allotment, open education resource instructional materials, and the State Board of Education long-range technology plan.
Relating to the foundation curriculum, the establishment of the instructional materials allotment, and the adoption, review, and purchase of instructional materials and technological equipment for public schools; providing penalties.