In the Age of "No Child Left Behind": Working with Mentally Ill Students in the Classroom

In an age of inclusion and "No Child Left Behind" man general education teachers are finding students with serious and persistent mental illnesses being placed in their classrooms. While, at times, this may cause trepidation, it does not have to. Having students with disabilities, including mental health disorders in mainstream learning environment can be an enriching and rewarding experience - if handled appropriately.

If you are a general education teacher who finds yourself assigned to teach a student or students with mental health disorders it is crucial you gather essential information about the student's disorder. One of the best things you can do is to educate yourself about the signs and symptoms of the child's diagnosis. It will also be helpful for you to connect with other professionals who have worked with the child to learn how the diagnosis manifests in the individual and some effective intervention techniques you can use to assist the student.

Once you have knowledge about the disability and interventions, use the information to create a respectful classroom environment. You will want to work to build rapport and communicate with all your students - but especially with students who are struggling with mental health issues. It will be helpful if you explain discipline procedures in advance, as well as the standards and expectations of your class. Focusing your classroom behavior management style on preventative discipline will eliminate many major disruptions and allow you to maximize the learning experience in your classroom.

A calm quiet learning environment will be helpful for students with mental healthy disorders. A calm classroom is frequently perceived as being "safe" by these students. Like all of us, when a student with mental health issues feels safe and secure they are more likely to perform better. Always be sure the student is in sight of another adult - either teacher or paraprofessional - this, again, helps the student feel safe and secure and helps you monitor behavior and head off any problems.

As you establish rules, be sure they are clear and concise. Students with mental health disorders, tend to be very "black and white" thinkers. Often they respond best to consistent, explicit rules and immediate re-direction. Be sure you are responding to all your students in the same manner. Most children with mental health disorders have a sense they are "different" from others and will sense if you are treating them differently.

Incentives can be great motivators for students with mental health disorders. These can range from praise to personal notes home to awards. If the student is involved in special education, consult with their case manager to see if an incentive plan is in place. If it is you may want to consider adding it to your classroom activities!

Most importantly, listen to others who have worked with this student. Ask questions about interventions which work best with the student. Talk to parents and caregivers about how the child is doing - be sure to inform them of progress and areas of concern.

Remember mentally ill students are still students who deserve the same quality of education as other children and you as a teaching professional can provide it! With just a few changes to your classroom routine, you can help every child reach their maximum potential!