Catapult Learning Survey of School Directors K-12 reveals critical deficits to address the youth mental health crisis

Philadelphia, Pa – Catapult learningA leading provider of academic, behavioral and mental health interventions based on evidence for K-12 schools, announced the results of a survey of 500 K-12 school counselors of the United States, which presented critical challenges to address The youth mental health crisis increasing in schools. Made by Wakefield Research in collaboration with Sharon Hoover, Ph.D., co -director of the National Center for Mental Health of the School, the survey revealed that 94% of school counselors believe that schools cannot address the mental health crisis Youth intensified in the level of level 3 levels alone and must adopt early proactive interventions.

The data revealed a generalized agreement that early and objective support is essential to address the growing youth mental health crisis. Higher conclusions include:

• The vast majority – 96% – He agreed that too many students are being pushed into level 3 interventions when they would be better attended through previous identification and intervention before their challenges reach a level of crisis.
• 94% It is believed that proactive strategies are essential to address mental health before students reach level 3 crisis levels.
• Nearly Two thirds (63%) He said they lack the time and additional resources necessary to provide adequate support for students fighting with level 2 needs.
• 90% The directors reported that the concerns of their students' mental health significantly affect their own well -being, which leads to work long hours and lose sleep. In fact, 64% felt more stressed about their ability to support students compared to the last school year.

“These findings highlight the systemic challenges faced by school counselors, including limited time for the support of students' mental health and personal exhaustion,” said Erica Fener Sitekoff, Ph.D., Clinical Director of Catapult Learning. “It is clear that level 2 interventions are the key to addressing the mental health crisis in schools. By providing specific support before students reach a level of crisis, we can encourage resilience, improve academic results and reduce the long -term negative impact on students and families. “

The mental health challenges faced by the young people today have been described as a crisis by the main experts. In 2023, the United States General Surgeon called Mental Health in children's decline “The crisis of our time” citing rates of anxiety, depression and suicidal ideation.

Recent CDC data He revealed that almost 1 in 3 teenagers seriously considered suicide in 2021, marking a 60% increase in the last decade. The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Children's Hospital Association declared a national state of emergency In child and adolescent mental health, underlining the urgent need for systemic solutions to support young people before their struggles intensify.

What do the directors most need?

The survey highlighted specific tools and strategies that counselors need to support students and administer the growing mental health demands:

• More than half (56%) Said to have better tools to identify students at risk is a priority.
• 63% He emphasized the importance of specific interventions for students with level 2 needs.
• 64% He indicated the need for reliable ways to measure the impact of interventions, showing that the directors want programs that are effective and based on data.

“As mental health challenges among young people continue to grow, their imperative schools are equipped with the necessary tools and strategies to implement level 2 interventions effectively,” said Hoover. “These include directed advice, training based on stress management skills and programs that train students to administer their well -being before reaching a point of crisis.”

The Empoweru solution

Catapult Learning's Mental Health and Resilience Solution, EmpoweredUnite the gap between level 1 and level 3, train schools with proactive and scalable solutions that avoid crises before they intensify. It offers an integral set of level 2 solutions designed to help schools efficiently address non -academic barriers to learning, such as stress, anxiety and low mood, without adding to the workload of the staff.

“The Empoweru solution multiplies the impact of the directors, allowing them to reach more students in less time,” said Katie Dorn, co -founder of Empoweru. “By offering efficient and scalable programs, we transform the limited resources into results that change life, without an overwhelming school staff. These evidence -based resources eliminate barriers for early intervention, which provides the directors that they need to act quickly and deliver measurable results before the problems become crisis. ”

For more information about the resilience and mental health solutions of Catapult Learning, including Empoweru, visit https://catapultlearning.com/mental-health/.

Methodological notes:

The Catapult learning survey was made by Wakefield Research ( www.wakefieldrearch.com) Among 500 School Directors of the United States, K-12, between December 2 and December 9, 2024, using an email invitation and an online survey.

About catapult learning

Catapult Learning, a Fullbloom division, provides intervention programs for students and professional development solutions for teachers in K-12 schools, executed by an experienced team of trainers. Our professional development services strengthen the ability of teachers and leaders to collect and maintain student performance. Our intervention programs support students with difficulties with instruction adapted to the unique needs of each student around the central subjects and the construction of the student's recovery capacity. Throughout the country, Catapult Learning is associated with more than 500 school districts to produce positive results that promote academic and professional growth. Catapult Learning is accredited by Cognia and has obtained its 2022 distinction system.

About the National School Mental Health Center

The mission of the National Mental Health Center (NCSMH) is Strengthen school health health policies and programs to improve learning and promote success for young people in the United States. Through the facilitation of practice communities on school mental health and learning collaborators to improve local, state and national quality, the NCSMH develops and brings together best practices, develops and disseminates practical tools, problem exams and policies, and promotes the use of knowledge and actions progress policies, practices and successful, innovative and sustainable programs of school mental health. https://www.schoolmentalhealth.org/.

The media staff of Eschool covers educational technology in all its aspects, from legislation and litigation, to best practices, to learned lessons and new products. Published for the first time in March 1998 as a monthly printed and digital newspaper, Media Eschool provides the news and information necessary to help K-20 decision makers to successfully use technology and innovation to transform schools and schools and schools and schools and schools and schools and schools and schools and achieve your educational objectives.

Latest Publications of Scool News staff (See all)