LANSING, Mich. (March 25, 2021) — Sen. Sylvia Santana (D-Detroit) has introduced legislation that would require Michigan’s educators to receive professional development training in how to recognize mental health concerns in students.
Senate Bill 321 would require the Michigan Department of Education, in conjunction with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, to develop or adopt a professional development course for teachers in mental health crisis management and rapid response so that educators can better assist children and teens, who have been shown to be the most at-risk during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The mental and emotional toll of this stressful time will stay with our children for the rest of their lives, and it will have a profound effect on their growth,” Sen. Santana said. “If we want all students to reach their potential, we need to ensure they’re not just physically healthy, but mentally healthy too.”
Mental health can have a massive impact on the emotional development and educational development of a student. According to a study by researchers at the University of Michigan, 17.6% of all children and adolescents in Michigan have been diagnosed with depression, anxiety, and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Of the 100,000 kids and teens who were surveyed in that study, 40% were receiving no mental health treatment.
“We know educators care deeply about our students, so ensuring they are equipped with the proper tools and training needed to identify, prevent, and treat mental health crises as they occur benefits our students now, and our communities tomorrow,” Sen. Santana added.
The bill has been referred to the Senate Committee on Education and Career Readiness.
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