TARGET AUDIENCE: Administrative and Supervisory CTE Personnel
DATES/LOCATIONS: December 10, 2024 – Online Synchronous
PIL HOURS TO BE AWARDED: 45
DESCRIPTION:
Mental health issues can affect high school students, including the following: Anxiety Disorders,
High levels of stress from academic pressure, Depression, Substance Abuse, Eating Disorders,
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Self-Harm and Suicide.
Remedying mental health issues among high school students requires a comprehensive and
multi-faceted approach, including:
• School-Based Mental Health Services: Schools should offer accessible and confidential mental
health services, including counseling, therapy, and support groups, provided by trained
professionals such as school psychologists, counselors, and social workers.
• Mental Health Education: Implement comprehensive mental health education programs that teach
students about common mental health issues, coping strategies, stress management techniques, and
how to seek help for themselves or their peers.
• Peer Support Programs: Establish peer support programs or mentorship initiatives where students
can connect with and support each other, reducing feelings of isolation and stigma associated with
mental illness.
• Parental and Family Support: Educate parents and caregivers about mental health issues affecting
adolescents and provide resources for supporting their child’s mental well-being at home.
• Promotion of Healthy Coping Mechanisms: Encourage healthy coping mechanisms such as exercise,
mindfulness, relaxation techniques, creative outlets, and hobbies to manage stress and improve
emotional resilience.
• Reducing Academic Pressure: Work with teachers, administrators, and parents to create a
supportive academic environment that emphasizes learning, growth, and well-being over excessive
competition and perfectionism.
• Early Intervention and Screening: Implement regular mental health screenings and assessments to
identify students who may be at risk for mental health issues and provide timely intervention and
support.
• Collaboration with Community Resources: Partner with community mental health agencies, hospitals,
and other organizations to ensure seamless access to mental health services and resources for
students in need.
• Destigmatization Efforts: Foster a culture of acceptance, understanding, and empathy around
mental health issues by promoting open dialogue, challenging stereotypes, and addressing stigma
within the school community.
• Crisis Response Protocols: Develop clear protocols and procedures for responding to mental health
crises, including suicide prevention measures, and ensure that staff members are trained to
recognize warning signs and provide appropriate support and intervention.
Participants will learn to address mental health issues among high school students and create a
supportive and nurturing environment that promotes overall well-being and academic success.
Administrators will gain skill and evidence for components of the Framework for Leadership in
Domains 1a,
1b, 1c, 1d, 2a, 2c, 2d, 2e, 2f, 2g, 3c, 3d, 4a, 4b, 4c.
How to Enroll in PIL Courses and Programs
- To register online, LOGIN and click on “Event List” to find the PIL of your choice.
- You may complete a PDF registration form by clicking on the link below.
Mail the downloaded registration form with a check made payable to PACTA to:
PACTA
PO Box 243
Harrisburg, PA 17108-0243
Telephone: (717) 761-3381 • lori@pacareertech.org
NOTE: Participants from PACTA Institutional Member Schools receive a 10% discount. If you are not sure if your school is an institutional member of PACTA, contact Lori Bell at (717) 761-3381 or lori@pacareertech.org.
