NASSP Speaks Out on Mental Health in Middle Level
and High Schools
One in Ten Children Suffers
For Immediate Release
December 2, 2008
Reston, VA – The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) reports that in the United States today, one in ten children suffers from a mental disorder severe enough to cause some level of impairment. This alarming trend prompted the National Association of Secondary School Principals’ (NASSP) to release its recommendations for how school officials should address mental health issues on their campuses.
According to NIMH, mental health disorders affecting children and adolescents include attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism, depression, eating disorders, and schizophrenia, to name just a few. Students suffering from these ailments are at serious risk of academic failure and are more likely to drop out.
NASSP feels strongly that schools need to promote student mental health as a critical component of school improvement efforts in order to be successful. The association’s Board of Directors recently approved its position on the subject along with a detailed list of guidelines and resources for school leaders across the country. Read or download NASSP’s position statement, Promoting Mental Health in Middle Level and High Schools here.
About NASSP
In existence since 1916, the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) is the preeminent organization of and national voice for middle level and high school principals, assistant principals, and aspiring school leaders from across the United States and more than 45 countries around the world. The mission of NASSP is to promote excellence in school leadership. For more information about NASSP, located in Reston, Virginia, visit www.principals.org or call 703-860-0200.
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