Last week, the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force, a group of 12 democratic lawmakers led by Rep. Mike Thompson (D-CA), unveiled their plan to reduce gun violence set forth in 15 principles.
Of particular note to special/gifted educators is the plan's theme on providing additional support to schools to address the mental health needs of students. Specifically, the plan highlights the need to:
1. Support initiatives that provide evidence-based approaches to creating safe learning environments that are tailored to the unique needs of the students and local communities;
2. Support the development of safety and emergency response plans to address both physical and emotional safety of students and support training for teachers and other personnel in implementing such a plan;
3. Support training for teachers, faculty and other personnel in responding to crisis situations;
4. Fund and prioritize evidence-based programs and practices for school based mental health programs to support direct services to K-12 students and promotes prevention and early identification. The plan also proposes expanding mental health services and resources to post-secondary schools.
5. Make available programs that support a greater understanding of the early warning signs and risk factors for educators, students, law enforcement, first responders, and others.
6. Address the shortage of mental health professionals, particularly in rural areas;
7. De-stigmatize the issue of mental illness.
Read the complete plan here.
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