Advancing Behavioral Health Collaboration (ABC) Summit
During September 2021, the Texas Education Agency and planning partners hosted the 5th ABC Summit, with this year’s summit occurring virtually over five days. The theme for the conference was Advancing Wellness and Resiliency in Education: Schools Can!
You can access the video and slides for each sessions, as well as the conference workbook, at the links below.
Schools Can! Be Leaders for Resilience
In this opening session, we explore the role of leadership in setting the vision for school mental health in Texas. A leadership panel shared key lessons for creating sustainable impact.
The ABC Summit Workbook includes resources for all sessions and can be downloaded at this link.
Schools Can! Reimagine How We Support Students
While the disruptions caused by the pandemic have increased the urgency for schools to provide students with access to resources to support mental health and well-being, these supports need to be built on a foundation that outlasts the current moment. In this session, we examine opportunities to lead the development of a comprehensive school mental health system, using processes and tools that can stand the test of time.
Schools Can! Promote Healing and Hope for Students
National data to examine COVID-19’s effect on student mental health and well-being was shared along with an example of how Teen Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) promotes hope and healing for student wellness. Staff from multiple school districts shared their implementation of specific Tier 1 interventions and the positive effect it has had on students, their families, and staff. Lastly, panelists from two school districts highlighted their collaborative work on the Texas Advancing Suicide Safer Schools Roadmap to improve upon and strengthen their safe and supportive school program.
Schools Can! Create Compassionate and Connected Communities
Fostering the academic success and wellness of students requires a coordinated effort among families, schools, and community partners. The pandemic has increased the urgency for building collaborations that support the resilience of our students, staff, families and communities. This session explored the role community partnerships play and highlighted different partnership opportunities within the state.
Schools Can! Restore Staff Wellness
This session discussed the topic of self-care and wellness in leadership, provided skills on SMART Resilience strategies, learning about best practices from Local Education Agencies across Texas, and developing an organizational wellness plan.
