Capitol News
Coalition Shares Policy Priorities and Resources on State Biennial Budget
In February, Governor Evers introduced his biennial budget proposal. State budget time is a great time to connect with your State Assembly Representative and State Senator to educate them on how investments in comprehensive school-based mental health programs and policies to support student access to mental health services are making a difference in your school and community. Particularly as we begin to emerge from the pandemic and more students and staff prepare to return to classrooms, policymakers should be aware of the impact of COVID and what is needed to support mental well-being for all Wisconsin students. The Coalition has prepared information and talking points on priority SMH initiatives this session for use by those who support continued expansion of school-based mental health opportunities. In addition to talking points, supporters may wish to reference basic Advocacy 101 guidance (from WAFCA), an overview of the state budget process (Wisconsin Budget Project) and Ideas for Telling Your Story during Wisconsin’s state budget process, which includes the upcoming hearing dates for the Joint Committee on Finance. Want to learn more? Join the Coalition Legislative Committee or reach out with questions to info@schoolmentalhealthwisconsin.org.
Training & Resources
FREE Training & Consultation! Teletherapy: Best Practices for Student Success
The pandemic has required that we all shift quickly to Telehealth to support the mental health of our youth and families. In the shuffle, attention to best practice and engagement hasn’t been easy! This free training on April 12-13 will cover not only the legal requirements for Telehealth and how to maintain confidentiality, but also how to set up a space for Telehealth, improve engagement with clients of all ages using technology, and tips for approaching some of the more sensitive topics. By the end of this training, you will feel confident in your ability to use Telehealth, and you will have tools to engage with students and families more effectively. Click here to register! Monthly consultation will follow. This opportunity is provided with grant funding support through the Great Lakes Mental Health Technology Transfer Center.
Wisconsin SEL Assessment Alignment Webinar Series
Save the dates! The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) has an upcoming series of webinars focusing on social and emotional learning (SEL) assessment tools that align with DPI’s SEL Competencies in April and May. Registration is not required. These webinars will provide an opportunity for you to learn more about six SEL assessment resources, including how they work, the data they provide, the grade levels of focus, and more. There will also be time for you to ask questions. In case you are unable to attend, all webinars will be recorded and posted on the DPI SEL website. If you have any questions, please contact Teri LeSage. See details below:
| Date |
Time |
Webinar Focus |
| 4/15/2021 |
12 – 1 pm |
Mosaic™ by ACT® |
| 4/22/2021 |
12 – 1 pm |
Youth Program Quality Assessment (PQA)® |
| 4/29/2021 |
12 – 1 pm |
Social Skills Improvement System (SSIS) Rating Scales |
| 5/06/2021 |
12 – 1 pm |
VIA Survey of Character Strengths |
| 5/13/2021 |
12 – 1 pm |
Holistic Student Assessment (HSA) |
| 5/20/2021 |
12 – 1 pm |
Tripod Social and Emotional Competency Survey
(Tripod SEL-C) |
Opportunities
Submissions Requested! Share Your Program in a School Mental Health Spotlight
The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, in collaboration with the Coalition for Expanding School Based Mental Health in Wisconsin, wants to learn more about your successes and challenges as you work to develop and grow your comprehensive school mental health program. Whether your program has been up and running for years or just getting started, your story is valuable for your colleagues and all the Wisconsin schools that haven’t yet started on their journey to initiate a comprehensive school mental health program. Please submit highlights of your program via this Google Form to be in the spotlight on the WI DPI School Mental Health website, on the Coalition’s site, and on WAFCA's social media pages (Facebook, Twitter, and/or LinkedIn)! The submission deadline is April 16, 2021. Please contact info@schoolmentalhealthwisconsin.org with questions!
WEA's Sixth Annual Student Art Contest
WEA’s Sixth Annual Student Art Contest: WEA is now accepting submissions for the 2021 Student Art Contest! One “Best in Show” submission will be selected in addition to up to ten finalists—all for cash prizes. This year, WEA is requesting uplifting and inspiring artwork and will accept any two-dimensional painting, drawing, or photograph suitable for display that can be framed and hung on a wall. See the website for more details or to print off a flyer for your building.
Save the Date: 5th Annual Growing School Mental Health Summit
Registration opens April 13, 2021
Join colleagues around the state for the 5th Annual Growing School Mental Health Summit (Virtual Event) on June 16 & 17, 2021. The 5th Annual Growing School Mental Health Summit is an opportunity for stakeholders from around the state in all facets of school and mental health services to come together virtually for two mornings to learn and share best practices in creating comprehensive, sustainable, school-based mental health systems. This year we examine the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on our students, staff, community partners and families with a focus on wellness for all; in light of our collective ability to be resilient, compassionate and inclusive.
We need you! Help us Grow the Coalition
There are many opportunities to engage with Coalition partners to promote our collective mission to advance and support expanded, comprehensive and integrated mental health services within the school setting through school, home, and community partnerships. Reach out to learn more - info@schoolmentalhealthwisconsin.org. Check out our calendar of events, including information on our June 2021 Summit coming soon!
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