Worcester school district addresses behavioral,mental health issues for students

WORCESTER ― The Worcester Public Schools superintendent's office found that students experience heightened stress levels in Worcester schools today. It also found that students of color are more susceptible to suspension than their white peers.

Those details emerged as part of a "climate and culture" report presented at a School Committee meeting Thursday.

Parents of students in the Worcester Public Schools who spoke during public comment said there are issues with the way some schools handle misbehavior. One parent said her child had been suspended 20 times before moving to the Academic Center for Transition.

Parents and others who spoke during public comment said that to make the schools more inclusive for children with behavioral issues, schools need to address those specific issues instead of suspending the students.

Maria Juncos-Gautier, executive director of the Latino Education Institute in Worcester, said almost half the population of Worcester Public Schools is Latino.

"The demographic is changing and we have to work around and we need to be more inclusive," Juncos-Gautier said. "The strategic plan is going in the right direction. As a Latina, inclusiveness is very important for these kids to get to college and succeed in life."

Kareem Tatum, the executive director of the district's North Quadrant, said Worcester Public Schools' goal is to cultivate and maintain a safe and belonging environment.

"We want all members of our school communities to grow and thrive in environments where they feel valued and safe," Tatum said. "We want to enhance the use of culturally responsive teaching practices to create a more equitable learning environment for all students."

Tatum outlined a tiered support pyramid that shows different levels of intervention. Tier one support consists of practices that should work for most students. Tier two support consists of support beyond what is provided. It is more targeted and may include small-group intervention. Support in tier three provides students with intensive support, including individualized instruction, one-on-one coaching and more frequent progress check-ins.

"Our focus is to provide classroom instruction that fosters an inclusive community and one that sustains and builds upon the cultural and linguistic diversity of our students," Tatum said.

Over the last year, the district has increased mental health support for students by adding wellness rooms, a dean of students and culture and climate assistance in schools.

Administrative Director of Positive Youth Development Thomas Toney said the district has made "commendable" efforts to shift from punitive punishment to restorative practices.

"This demonstrates creativity and adaptability in addressing disciplinary issues," Toney said. "Our main goal is to keep our kids in school."

A youth health survey conducted in the spring of 2022 found that students are experiencing stress and anxiety 15% more than they were in 2019. A top issue among Worcester middle school students is also stress. As of 2022, 37% of students said stress is a top issue for them.

A restorative mediation approach, Toney said, has been integrated into how Worcester schools discipline students.

"The staff assesses the situation and students are asked questions during a mediation between two parties to develop an understanding and reduce their anxiety to meet with the other party," Toney said. "By addressing mental health needs, schools can support students in achieving their full academic potential."

This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: District discusses how to address behavioral and mental health