Episode 129: Protecting Kids' Mental Health in a Time of Polarization

In this episode of Into the Fold, we explore how today’s toxic political climate may be impacting mental health programs in schools, as described in a recent NBC news article entitled, “Parents protesting ‘critical race theory’ identify a new target: Mental health programs”. We are joined by Donna Black, president of the Social Emotional Learning Alliance for Texas (SEL4TX) to discuss an educational process known as social-emotional learning, its application in schools, its positive impact on kids’ mental health, and its current mischaracterization in this time of political polarization. Related links Healthy Educators for Healthy Kids http://hogg.utexas.edu/what-we-do/success-stories/student-mental-health Mental Health in Schools https://hogg.utexas.edu/podcast-mental-health-schools Uproar over critical race theory should not threaten mental health in schools https://hogg.utexas.edu/critical-race-theory-mental-health-in-schools Mental health in schools is at a tipping point. Here is what needs to happen. https://hogg.utexas.edu/mental-health-in-schools