Directs the commissioner of education to require teachers colleges to provide a course of instruction in mental health first aid prior to each student's graduation

55. a. The commissioner shall establish and enforce rules and regulations requiring every college for teachers or teachers college within the state to provide a course of instruction in mental health first aid to each student prior to such student's graduation there from with a degree in teaching or education.

b. For the purposes of this subdivision, "mental health first aid" means the recognition of common mental illnesses and chemical dependence disorders, the safe de-escalation of crisis situations, and the initiation of timely referral of appropriate students to mental health and chemical dependency resources within the community.

Section 2 contains the effective date.

Justification

It is well-documented that teaching about mental health in schools reduces stigma and bullying while encourages youth to seek help. Youth who seek help earlier have better outcomes and improved academic performance than those who go without help.

* Mental health is one of the top health problems for children and teens. Over 200,000 New York children and teens, or one in five, have a mental health diagnosis.

* Suicide is the third leading cause of death for youth aged 15 to 19 in New York (www.nyskwic.org).

* More than 50 percent of students labeled with emotional or behavioral disorders drop out of high school and, of those who do remain in school, only 42 percent graduate with a high school diploma.

Despite the need for mental health education, New York State's health curriculum doesn't require the teaching of mental health

Our schools have become pressure mills. High stakes testing and economic pressures are creating a stressed out generation. As policy makers debate Common Core, other high stakes testing, and college affordability, our teachers and students report increased anxiety in the classroom.

The normal stresses of fear of failure and peer pressure are exacerbated by competition for prestigious or affordable college slots and high pressure testing is taking a toll on the mental health of our youth. Students are packing their schedules with extra classes, volunteer activities, school clubs and sports to help them compete for grades and impressive resumes for postsecondary education.

According to researchers at Indiana University, up to 30% of students experience anxiety that can have significant negative impact on their ability to perform at an optimal level. (http://www.nasponline.org)

Long term impacts include depression, anxiety attacks, social withdrawal, and low self-esteem. Students often blame themselves for not being smart enough. Adaptation mechanisms may include "not even trying" or avoiding or even refusing to go to school.

As these symptoms develop and are more visible to teachers and school staff, there is no training in place for these professionals to help identify a mental health problem or what to do if they suspect there is one.

By requiring that a course in mental health first aid is taken prior to graduating from teaching colleges in NYS, future teachers will be better equipped with identifying and assisting students in need with the community mental health services available to help. Acquiring these skills is not trivial. For many students it is a life and death situation as teen suicide rates and violent behavior by male and female youth has become more pronounced in daily life.

Prior legislative history

No prior legislative history.

Fiscal implications for state and local government

None

Effective date

90 days after enactment.