Should schools be responsible for students' mental health?
considerable | contribute | demonstrate | sufficient | valid
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Do the Math
Do the Math
Mental illnesses are disorders of the brain that affect a person’s mood, thinking, and behavior. Many factors contribute to mental illness, including a person’s genes, experiences, and environment. It is not a person’s choice or fault whether they have a mental illness.
Some schools have started programs to improve students’ mental health and address mental illness. The goal of these programs is to reduce the need for serious intervention and to recognize right away when a student is suffering from mental illness. In Montana, for example, they started a program that pairs each middle school student with an adult to provide advice and help with social, academic, and emotional problems.
Option 1:
Option 1:
Three years after starting the program in Montana, the number of students needing a more intensive intervention plan, such as in-school mental health services, had gone down by two-thirds. Which fraction is NOT equal to two-thirds?
A. 6/9
B. 200/300
C. 65/100
D. 4/6
Option 2:
Option 2:
From 2005 to 2023, the percent of students in the U.S., ages 12-17, who demonstrated major signs of depression grew from 8.7 percent to 16.4 percent. Among a group of 1,000 students aged 12-17, how many more were likely to demonstrate major signs of depression in 2023 than in 2005?
Discussion Question:
Discussion Question:
Mental illness can make it harder for people to enjoy life. In some cases, mental illness can even contribute to suicidal thoughts. Among students between the ages of 10-18, one in seven report having seriously considered trying to take their own life. However, mental health programs like the program in Montana have shown considerable positive effects on student mental health. Some schools have started mental health awareness weeks, when teachers and students can talk about mental illness and how to better manage daily stress and struggles. Other schools have also started offering in-school space for private psychologists and counselors to come and meet with students. Do you think this is a valid use of school time? Do you think your school has sufficient mental health resources? What would you like to see your school do differently?
If you are in crisis, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800- 273-TALK (8255), or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741741.
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