School Wellness

Theresa Stahl is an experienced educator with a career spanning nearly 40 years. Currently, she teaches third and fourth grade reading intervention at Ansonia Local Schools in Ohio. Known for her commitment to creating supportive and inclusive classroom environments, Theresa has actively implemented the PAX Good Behavior Game strategies to foster respectful and focused behavior among her students. She is recognized for adapting educational methods to meet the needs of a diverse student body in a partially rural community setting.

In this engaging episode of "School Wellness," host Amanda Hampton sits down with veteran educator Theresa Stahl to delve into the effective use of the PAX Good Behavior Game in her classroom. With nearly four decades of teaching experience, Theresa shares compelling insights into how evidence-based strategies can create a trauma-informed and supportive learning environment. The episode offers a deep dive into adapting behavior intervention techniques for young students, focusing on promoting positive behaviors such as respect and attentiveness.

Through a detailed discussion, Theresa outlines her journey with PAX, a system she embraced approximately six years ago. Her implementation begins with constructing a "vision chart" to set clear behavioral expectations in a positive light, steering away from traditional "do's and don't's" lists. Theresa provides real-life examples of how this method encourages students' cooperation and attentiveness, ultimately leading to a more productive classroom environment. She shares her innovative approach to Granny's Wacky Prizes, which motivate students while being cost-effective and easy to implement. Theresa's candid experiences provide valuable insights for educators keen to embrace modern behavior management methodologies.

• The PAX Good Behavior Game creates a trauma-informed, supportive classroom environment by focusing on managing undesirable behaviors and reinforcing positives.

• Implementing a vision chart focused on proactive student engagement.

• Granny's Wacky Prizes motivate students with creative, low-cost activities that align with classroom goals of respect and attentiveness.

• School-wide adoption of PAX strategies amplifies their effectiveness, aligning all students and staff toward common behavioral expectations.

• Starting with a few core PAX strategies can help new teachers integrate these methods cohesively into their classrooms.

1. "PAX is...a way to achieve a happy and peaceful classroom." - Theresa Stahl

2. "They [students] are invested in the behavior and in the plan and in trying to do what they're supposed to." - Theresa Stahl

3. "It has to really be pervasive in your day. And if possible, school-wide is most effective." - Theresa Stahl

4. "I really like to use activities that make them think a little bit too, so like I have one called 5, 4, 3, 2, 1." - Theresa Stahl

• PAXIS Institute – Home of the PAX Good Behavior Game, providing evidence-based behavioral strategies for educators. The podcast introduction is provided by Carmen Irving from PAXIS.

• Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus, Ohio.
• Ohio Mental Health Network for School Success

• Ohio School-Based Center of Excellence – Supporting prevention and early intervention in Ohio schools.

Listen to this insightful episode to hear directly from Theresa Stahl about her practical experiences and strategies for effective classroom management using the PAX Good Behavior Game. Stay tuned for more enlightening content from the "School Wellness" podcast.

About the Guest(s):

Betsey Sigrist-Sheppard is a dedicated educator with six years of experience in teaching early education, primarily in kindergarten and second grade. She currently teaches at Columbus City Schools in Columbus, Ohio. Betsey is known for her innovative methods in creating engaging classroom environments and is particularly recognized for her work with PAX Good Behavior Game. Her passion for teaching was inspired by her second-grade teacher, who seamlessly integrated academic and social-emotional lessons into engaging learning experiences. Betsey is an advocate for trauma-informed classrooms and promotes a positive, inclusive learning community for her students.

Episode Summary:

In this insightful episode of School Wellness, hosted by Amanda Hampton, listeners are introduced to the concept of a trauma-informed classroom and how PAX Good Behavior Game is being effectively implemented in school settings. Amanda Hampton talks with Betsey Sigrist-Sheppard, a second-grade teacher with Columbus City Schools, about her experience and strategies in creating a supportive and engaging learning environment for young students. The episode explores Betsey's journey in education, inspired by her own transformative experiences in elementary school, and the community-focused approach she brings to her classroom today.

Betsey shares her perspectives on the implementation and success of PAX in managing classroom behaviors and reinforcing positive student actions. From initial training during the COVID-19 pandemic to establishing a comprehensive PAX community within her school, Betsey offers valuable insights into the use of PAX strategies to foster a trusting and effective classroom dynamic. The discussion also delves into the challenges of adopting new behavioral strategies and the significant impact that the PAX program has had on the school environment, from increasing predictability in classrooms to helping students manage attention and interpersonal relationships.

Key Takeaways:

• Implementation of PAX: Betsey Sigrist-Sheppard successfully incorporates PAX into her classroom to promote positive behaviors and manage undesirable ones using various strategies and games.
• Positive Community Building: PAX strategies help create a positive school community, turning classrooms into teams and families, reinforcing care for self, others, and the environment.
• Maintaining Consistency and Safety: By establishing predictable routines and expectations, Betsey ensures a physically, emotionally, and psychologically safe environment for students.
• Supportive Network: The episode highlights the importance of a support network of teachers and PAX partners in promoting and implementing effective behavioral strategies across the school.
• Adapting to Challenges: Betsey discusses the challenges of initial implementation and how pacing and support from the PAX community help in successfully integrating new tools into her teaching practice.

Notable Quotes:

• "I had a really amazing second grade teacher when I was in elementary school who created a classroom environment that was so engaging and fun."
• "I really strive to create a class where our class is a community, our class is a team, our class is a family."
• "The PAX Vision was super easy...and it is student created."
• "Having the internal PAX team, it's kind of been just like a quick check with each other, like hey, how's it going? How, how is it potentially not going?"
• "Even though there are a few Kernels, they don't all have to be implemented right away."

Resources:

• PAX Good Behavior Game: Paxis.org
• Columbus City Schools: Columbus City Schools
• Nationwide Children's Hospital: Nationwide Children's Hospital
• Ohio Mental Health Network for School Success
• Ohio School-Based Center of Excellence for Prevention & Early Intervention

Tune in to the full episode to explore Betsey Sigrist-Sheppard's innovative approaches to fostering a vibrant, supportive learning environment through PAX and learn more about how these strategies can be implemented in classrooms to encourage positive behavioral development. Stay connected for more episodes on school wellness and educational excellence.

Jake Ross is a seasoned licensed independent social work supervisor and therapist, practicing in Ohio with additional licensures in Virginia, Indiana, and Florida. With over 20 years of experience in social work and child welfare, Jake currently serves as a senior trainer and consultant at Presidential Consultants, where he facilitates dynamic learning experiences aimed at enhancing the skills and knowledge of professionals in helping professions. Jake is also the founder of the Ross Wellness Group, focusing on empowering millennial men to manage stress and lead fulfilling lives.

Join Amanda Hampton in an insightful episode of School Wellness as she chats with Jake Ross, a dedicated professional from Presidential Consultants. With a focus on mental health and child welfare, Jake shares his journey and profound commitment to making a difference in the Appalachian region and beyond. From anecdotal experiences to strategic insights, Jake offers a comprehensive look into the challenges and strengths present within the communities he passionately serves.

This episode delves into the core mission and vision of Presidential Consultants, an organization dedicated to improving helping professions through education and training. Explore the unique challenges and cultural characteristics of the Appalachian region, including geographic isolation and resource scarcity, that impact mental health and wellness. Jake emphasizes the importance of shifting language and mindset around mental health, transforming stigma into supportive dialogue, and adapting evidence-based practices to suit regional needs. Learn about the protective factors and resilience inherent in Appalachian culture and discover how community collaboration and self-care play a vital role in fostering mental wellness.

• Jake Ross brings over two decades of expertise in social work, advocating for mental health and child welfare across the Appalachian region and beyond.

• Presidential Consultants aims to equip helping professions with the necessary tools and knowledge through dynamic and accessible training programs.

• Appalachian communities, while facing unique challenges such as geographic isolation and resource scarcity, exhibit remarkable resilience.

• Shifting the dialogue around mental wellness from crisis-oriented to proactive and preventive can help dismantle stigma and encourage community engagement.

• Emphasizing self-care and community collaboration are essential strategies in strengthening mental health across various populations.

1. "I'm really big on trying to leave this world a better place than I came into it." - Jake Ross

2. "Often Appalachian folks don't ask for help. They figure it out." - Jake Ross

3. "I woke up first thing in the morning and say, what am I going to do to take care of myself so that I can pour into others the best that I can." - Jake Ross

4. "It's all about that general awareness. If we're all generally aware of what these issues look like, what these red flags are, then we can start to keep an eye out." - Jake Ross

• Appalachian Children Coalition: The ACC mission is to improve the health and well-being of our region's children. Through collective advocacy and strategic investments, we aim for a future where every child has access to the care that they require at home, in school, and in their communities.

• Presidential Consultants: PresidentialConsultants.com (Website not explicitly mentioned, but inferred as a resource for more information)

• LinkedIn: Follow Presidential Consultants for blog posts and their Work Live Wellness series.

• Ross Wellness Group: Founded by Jake Ross, focusing on millennial men's well-being.

Engage with

Honey Bell-Bey is a seasoned prevention specialist with a passion for integrating the arts into prevention strategies for young individuals. With a lifetime devotion to prevention work, Honey has been instrumental in numerous wellness initiatives throughout Ohio, particularly in the Cleveland area. Honey started as a peer educator in her youth, creatively engaging in grassroots prevention strategies, and has been pivotal in professionalizing prevention through credentialing and certification efforts. She is actively involved in various educational and community programs, including the PARTS initiative, which effectively combines Prevention, Academics, Resiliency, and Training to foster success among youth. Honey is also known for her vibrant work in poetry, using it as a powerful tool to connect and inspire.

In this illuminating episode of "School Wellness with Amanda Hampton," Amanda is joined by Honey Bell-Bey, an influential figure in the field of prevention and a passionate advocate for youth empowerment in Ohio. Throughout the conversation, Honey delves deep into her journey and dedication to prevention work, emphasizing the critical role that arts play in engaging young people in meaningful ways. From her beginnings as a peer educator to her current involvement with various educational initiatives, Honey shares her insights on the evolution of prevention strategies, particularly in Ohio, and the transformative impact they have on communities.

Honey Bell-Bey captivates listeners with her in-depth discussion about prevention frameworks, particularly highlighting the CSAP strategies, which include areas like education, alternatives, and environmental initiatives. She reflects on Ohio's leadership in prevention efforts, noting the importance of credentialing in professionalizing the field. The episode also touches on the critical distinction between prevention and treatment, the challenges and triumphs within the discipline, and Honey's personal journey, underscoring the significance of personal wellness for those in the helping professions. With practical examples like the PARTS program, Honey illustrates how engaging young people as partners in prevention generates a ripple effect of positive change across communities.

• Integration of Arts in Prevention: Honey Bell-Bey emphasizes the role of the arts, including poetry and performance, in making prevention strategies engaging and effective for young people.

• Ohio's Leadership in Prevention: The state of Ohio is seen as a frontrunner in prevention efforts, with robust credentialing systems that elevate the professional standing of prevention specialists.

• Importance of Youth Engagement: Honey highlights the value of youth voice and engagement in prevention work, fostering a sense of ownership and empowerment among young individuals.

• Distinction Between Prevention and Treatment: Understanding the difference between these two areas is crucial for effective intervention, focusing prevention efforts on avoiding the need for treatment.

• Community Involvement and Awareness: There's a pressing need for communities to spread awareness about available resources and prevention efforts to ensure services reach those who need them most.

1. "I've worked in prevention most of my adult life in some capacity or another." — Honey Bell-Bey

2. "Ohio definitely leads the way. We are leaps and bounds ahead of other states." — Honey Bell-Bey

3. "Give young people what you are passionate about... Give them a piece of you." — Honey Bell-Bey

4. "Prevention adds protection and it adds protection for the individual, for the family, and for the community." — Honey Bell-Bey

5. "You have the capacity to reach whatever you want to reach...you are innately resilient." — Honey Bell-Bey

• Ohio Prevention Professionals Association (mentioned as a resource within the transcript)

• OCAM (Ohio's Coaches and Mentors Network) - For resources on prevention certification and mentorship.

Join us for the full episode to dive deeper into the insightful conversation with Honey Bell-Bey, as she shares her profound experiences and knowledge in the field of prevention, and stay tuned for more thought-provoking discussions on "School Wellness with Amanda Hampton."

Welcome to Season Three of the School Wellness Podcast, an initiative by the Ohio School Based Center of Excellence for Prevention and Early Intervention. This season will have 15 episodes and kicks off with influential conversations surrounding youth-led prevention, school mental health, and self-care frameworks in education. Delve into expert interviews that reveal the strategic efforts being made to ensure the health and well-being of children and educators in Ohio and beyond.

• Youth-led prevention is crucial for empowering communities, an initiative actively supported by EyesUp Appalachia and leading consultants.

• Integrating PAX Good Behavior Game in classrooms positively impacts school climate and student interaction.

• The Balance, Boundaries and Breaks framework is a way for educators to maintain mental well-being in stressful environments.

• Effective school safety and evidence-based curricula address both immediate and long-term educational needs.

• Student voices, like those of Sydni Howard and Aarush Mantreau, are pivotal in shaping peer-driven prevention programs.

...and so much more!

• "Engaging students directly in prevention drives real change in local communities." – Christi Scott Bartman, Executive Director

• "Teachers implementing PAX Good Behavior Game see transformative classroom dynamics." – Theresa Stahl, Teacher

• "Our framework helps educators find sustainable ways to include self-care into their daily routines." – Evan Whitehead, SheRay's Associates & Balance Boundaries & Breaks(TM)

• "Safety in schools is about creating environments where learning can thrive without fear." – Mark Pohl, The Pohl Group

• "This curriculum provides essential tools to educators for combating substance abuse effectively." – Michelle Stevens, Prime for Life

Emily Torok is the Director at the Ohio School Safety Center. With a history in Ohio Homeland Security, Emily initially supervised multiple school safety efforts. Her career trajectory evolved with Governor DeWine's administration prioritizing school safety as a standalone focus, allowing her to dedicate her expertise solely to this area. Emily has effectively channeled her initial interest in counterterrorism into creating safer educational environments across Ohio.

Join host Amanda Hampton on "School Wellness," presented by the Ohio School-Based Center of Excellence at Miami University, as she dives into the crucial topic of school safety with guest Emily Torok from the Ohio School Safety Center. Amanda and Emily discuss the inception, mission, and the expansive set of resources the Ohio School Safety Center offers to K-12 and higher education institutions across the state. This episode is rich with valuable insights into the pivotal role of safety planning and the Center's initiative to streamline communication and support for schools.

The Ohio School Safety Center, established under the direction of Governor DeWine, has created a centralized "one-stop shop" for school safety measures. By offering resources such as the Safer Ohio School Tip Line, behavioral threat assessments, and the annual School Safety Summit, the Center aims to prevent, prepare for, and respond to acts of violence and self-harm. Emily explains the importance of both physical and emotional safety in schools and illustrates how her team collaborates with various stakeholders to enhance student security.

• The Ohio School Safety Center was created to centralize safety initiatives, providing schools with streamlined access to resources such as threat assessments, grants, and training.
• Behavioral threat assessment teams play a crucial role in identifying potential threats and offering preventive solutions, encompassing both intent and capability evaluation of students.
• The Center actively involves students in safety discussions through initiatives like the State Student Safety Advisory Council, emphasizing the importance of student voices in decision-making.
• October is designated as School Safety Month, presenting an opportunity for schools to engage in various awareness activities and remind the community of available safety resources and measures.
• A strong emphasis is placed on building trusted relationships within schools, as they form the foundation of effective safety and violence prevention strategies.

1. "Just because you're not the school resource officer doesn't mean that you don't have a role to play—it's those relationships with your students."
2. "Our mission here is to help both schools and first responders prevent, prepare for, and respond to acts of violence through a holistic solutions-based approach."
3. "The Ohio School Safety Center is, in essence, a one-stop shop for all things school safety."
4. "When students report bullying, suspicious activity, or self-harm, it's important they feel their concerns will be acted upon without retaliation."
5. "Safety is everyone's priority… It's about having information that can be helpful."

• Ohio School Safety Center: safer school tip line
• Ohio Department of Education and Workforce
• Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services
• Behavioral Threat Assessment Training: Available on the Ohio School Safety Center's website

Listen to the full episode for comprehensive insights into enhancing school safety and learn how these initiatives can benefit and safeguard educational communities across Ohio. Be sure to stay tuned for more episodes from "School Wellness" for in-depth discussions on crucial educational topics.

Discover more resources from the Ohio School-Based Center of Excellence for Prevention & Early Intervention at OhioSBCOE.

Evi Roberts is a dedicated youth program and policy manager at the Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation (OSPF). With a robust background in public administration and addiction counseling, she transitioned into preventative mental health work through mentorship with notable figures such as Dr. Holly Raffle. Since joining OSPF in 2021, Evi has been instrumental in managing youth suicide prevention efforts, coordinating grant proposals, and implementing impactful marketing initiatives. Her commitment to reducing the risk of suicide is evident through her leadership in developing comprehensive strategies that advocate for mental health awareness across various age groups and demographics in Ohio.

In this episode of School Wellness, host Amanda Hampton invites Evi Roberts from the Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation to discuss the critical importance of suicide prevention efforts within Ohio's communities and schools. The conversation digs deep into the systemic challenges and innovations surrounding mental health support and suicide prevention, providing listeners with a detailed overview of contemporary practices and data trends.

Evi Roberts delivers an insightful exploration of the Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation's mission—bringing best practices in suicide prevention to local communities. As the conversation unfolds, Evi highlights alarming Ohio suicide statistics, focusing particularly on youth and young adults. Strategies like lethal means safety, the essential role of school counselors, and comprehensive educational programs such as Sources of Strength are examined. Evi emphasizes the significance of understanding protective and risk factors in suicide prevention, underscoring that community involvement and structured support systems are vital in saving lives.

• Ohio's youth and young adults are significantly affected by suicide, emphasizing the need for comprehensive prevention strategies.
• The Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation offers critical resources and programs such as Sources of Strength to bolster community and school efforts in reducing suicide rates.
• Understanding the nuances of warning signs and protective factors is key; schools play a pivotal role in fostering environments that encourage mental health discussion.
• The implementation of House Bill 123 requires Ohio schools to incorporate structured suicide prevention and violence prevention programs, highlighting Sources of Strength as a compliant option.
• Postvention is as crucial as prevention, offering resources and support to communities impacted by suicide and informing future prevention practices.

• "We do everything we can to bring suicide prevention best practices programs and resources to Ohio communities." – Evi Roberts
• "If somebody makes an attempt of suicide with a firearm, there's about a 90% likelihood that person will die from that mechanism." – Evi Roberts
• "Whenever we work together to promote this sense of hope and provide these resources, we can create a difference within our communities and our families." – Evi Roberts
• "Sources of Strength is named for these eight protective factors that have been found in the research to reduce the likelihood of youth suicide." – Evi Roberts
• "It's important… to take into consideration the developmental differences that can impact some of these risk factors." – Evi Roberts

• Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation (OSPF)
• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
• Be Present Ohio
• Safe Students Act - House Bill 123 information at the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce website

Explore further insights and in-depth discussions on mental health, suicide prevention, and more by tuning into the full episode. Stay engaged with School Wellness for continued explorations into essential topics that empower our communities.

Discover more resources from the Ohio School-Based Center of Excellence for Prevention & Early Intervention at OhioSBCOE.

In this episode of School Wellness with Amanda Hampton, the focus is on supporting the whole child within the Ohio educational system. Amanda Hampton, a certified prevention specialist, engages Sarah Music from the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce to discuss effective strategies and programs that target the holistic development and prevention needs of school-aged children. By emphasizing mental health, social inclusion, and substance abuse prevention, they underline the importance of comprehensive school wellness frameworks.

Key themes explored in the conversation include the legislative mandates in Ohio schools regarding prevention education, the benefits of having a multi-tiered system of support, and the advantages of a community-based approach to student wellness. Sarah explains how schools can utilize data to inform their prevention strategies and highlights the critical role of trusted adults. The discussion also touches on the value of youth-led prevention programs and active participation from school staff, parents, and communities to foster a supportive educational environment.

• The Ohio Department of Education emphasizes a multi-tiered system of support in schools to address diverse prevention needs.
• Legislative mandates require schools to offer prevention education on topics like suicide prevention, dating violence, and social inclusion.
• Youth-led prevention programs are invaluable as they empower students and often resonate more deeply with their peers.
• Data collection from various surveys helps Ohio schools tailor their prevention programming effectively.
• Community engagement and coalitions enhance the support structure for students outside the classroom environment.

1. "The whole child framework broadens our focus beyond academics to include students' emotional, physical, and safety needs."
2. "Prevention programs focus on helping students develop knowledge and skills to engage in healthy behaviors and decision-making."
3. "Even when students may have more intensive or individualized needs at a high tier, they should still be receiving those foundational supports."
4. "Our office is here to provide technical assistance and make implementing your prevention programming as easy and effective as possible."
5. "Having a community-based approach ensures our students are supported even beyond the school environment."

• Ohio Department of Education and Workforce
• Ohio Youth Surveys: Comprehensive data source for school-level evaluations and decision-making.
• Second Step, Signs of Suicide, Zones of Regulation: Curriculum often used in Ohio schools to meet the prevention mandates.

In conclusion, this enlightening conversation provides valuable insights into the implementation and importance of whole child support systems in schools. Listen to the full episode for a deeper understanding of how Ohio is pioneering comprehensive student wellness and how similar approaches can be applied in other educational contexts. Stay tuned for more episodes packed with expert information from School Wellness with Amanda Hampton.

Discover more resources from the Ohio School-Based Center of Excellence for Prevention & Early Intervention at OhioSBCOE.

In this episode of "School Wellness," host Amanda Hampton engages in an insightful discussion with Brice Frasure from Logan Hocking Schools. They delve into the pivotal role of Student Assistance Programming (SAP) in enhancing the well-being of students and staff. Brice shares how SAP, an evidence-based framework, aids in addressing non-academic barriers such as mental health, behavioral issues, and family concerns, creating a coordinated support system that complements existing educational initiatives.

Throughout the conversation, Amanda and Brice discuss the journey of implementing SAP at Logan Hocking Schools, emphasizing the challenges and successes of coordinating support structures in educational settings. They explore the importance of a systems approach, the necessity of stakeholder engagement, and the value of community partnerships. This episode shines a light on strategies for early identification, the power of referrals, and the critical role of staff wellness in maintaining robust educational programs. Keywords like "student assistance programs," "mental health support," and "community partnerships" are central themes woven throughout their dialogue.

• Coordinated Support Systems: Discover how SAP can align and enhance existing support frameworks within schools, tackling barriers to learning in a holistic manner.

• Role of Community Partnerships: Learn about the significance of engaging local agencies in creating a seamless support network for students and staff.

• Early Identification & Strengths-Based Referrals: Explore the value of screening tools and well-designed referral processes in identifying students' needs, while leveraging their strengths.

• Staff Wellness: Understand the importance of prioritizing staff wellness to ensure that educators can effectively support students.

• Continuous Improvement: Uncover the iterative nature of SAP implementation that allows schools to adapt and refine their strategies to meet evolving student requirements.

• "SAP provides a coordinated framework that looks at aligning services to meet whole child initiatives." - Brice Frasure

• "It's important that the support processes include the family voice; it's about working with them, not doing for them." - Brice Frasure

• "Schools can't fix everything, but we need to have systems in place to help coordinate support resources for removing barriers." - Brice Frasure

• "A lot of what we find successful are the things we adjust and adapt as needed; it's about aligning our systems effectively." - Brice Frasure

• "Staff wellness is essential because, without it, we can't adequately support students or sustain programs." - Brice Frasure

• Signs of Suicide - Nationwide Children's Hospital

• PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) resources

• 317 Board - Athens, Hocking, and Vinton County ADAMH Board

• SAP Resources - Library of materials to boost the SAP Program in your community or district

Explore more about these themes and gain comprehensive insights by tuning into the full episode. Stay connected for more enlightening discussions from the School Wellness series, aimed at enhancing educational environments through expert dialogues.

Discover more resources from the Ohio School-Based Center of Excellence for Prevention & Early Intervention at OhioSBCOE.

In this episode of "School Wellness with Amanda Hampton," hosted by certified prevention specialist Amanda Hampton, the focus is on tackling chronic absenteeism in Ohio schools. Joined by Patrick Hickman from the Office of Whole Child Supports, the discussion delves into the pressing issue of student and staff attendance post-pandemic. The episode not only explores historical and current data trends but also examines the underlying causes contributing to absenteeism, providing a detailed overview that is both informative and thought-provoking.

Patrick Hickman shares valuable insights into the mission of the Office of Whole Child Supports, emphasizing non-academic barriers to learning and chronic absenteeism's impact on educational outcomes. Utilizing data from Ohio's schools, Patrick elaborates on how relationships and community engagement can be pivotal in combating absenteeism. The conversation touches on the differences between chronic absenteeism and truancy, while providing schools with strategies to enhance student attendance through relationship-building, early intervention, and comprehensive community support.

• Chronic absenteeism was high even before the pandemic: The episode highlights that absenteeism rates were already concerning pre-pandemic and have worsened post-pandemic.
• The importance of community engagement: Patrick Hickman emphasizes that schools with strong family and community relationships exhibit lower rates of absenteeism.
• Differences between truancy and chronic absenteeism: Understanding these distinctions helps schools target the root causes of absenteeism more effectively.
• Implementing attendance intervention strategies: Early intervention, relationship mapping, and leveraging community resources are essential strategies for improving attendance.
• Adaptability of interventions: Schools are encouraged to incorporate attendance strategies into existing structures like PBIS and MTSS to mitigate capacity issues.

• "I help with folks who need help with attendance law, like understanding the state statutes and what schools should and shouldn't be doing." – Patrick Hickman
• "Relationships matter a lot. Schools saw about a 6% improvement in chronic absence post-remote learning simply because they had strong family engagement." – Patrick Hickman
• "Attendance is not like that most other educational problems; relationships are key, and there's no quick fix." – Patrick Hickman
• "Regular attendance is linked to overall academic performance, and we have the data to connect those things." – Patrick Hickman
• "We have to make sure that school is a place that students want to be, and it has to be a place that parents want to send their kids." – Patrick Hickman

• Ohio Department of Education Attendance Support
• Ohio's Official Attendance Guide

Tune into the full episode for an in-depth understanding of how schools can combat attendance issues effectively.

Discover more resources from the Ohio School-Based Center of Excellence for Prevention & Early Intervention at OhioSBCOE.