Mental Health at Franklin

Better Support for Franklin Students via Improved Mental Health Policies

After conducting a survey research project into students' perception of mental health at Franklin, we've outlined a plan that includes three new policies that would help accommodate students who struggle with common mental health issues.

It's easy to forget about struggles that go on in private.

Mental health has been an issue at Franklin for a long time. We see our friends struggle every day with assignments while they simultaneously struggle with their mental health. We want to change that and make Franklin an environment where students don't have so much anxiety about missing school days or assignments due to personal reasons.

Greater flexibility for students struggling with their mental health would provide better learning outcomes and greater student retention.

Based on our research, we are proposing the following improvements:

Expertise
At least one full-time mental health professional on staff with a doctorate in that field (psychologist or psychiatrist)

Mental Health Breaks
A policy that would allow students who sign up the ability to leave their classroom for up to ten minutes with no repercussions

Extended Time on Assignments
A policy that would allow any student with a note from a licensed mental health professional to have 3 days of extra time on homework assignments and projects when needed (with limitations)

Trade-offs

• Hiring any additional staff is costly.

• Some teachers may be resistant to providing more flexibility for students struggling with mental health.

Benefits

• Equity: students who struggle with mental health would be given more support, allowing them the opportunity to perform at the same levels as their classmates.

• Better health outcomes: Reduced stress and burnout from students struggling with mental health issues, along with greater supports and possibly better policies system-wide shaped by a school psychologist.

• Retention: More students would be able to succeed at Franklin and meet retention.