California Center for School Climate (CCSC)

Student mental health is not just addressing emotional distress but also improving life satisfaction of students. Examining data related to life satisfaction and emotional distress provides context for understanding and supporting the student mental health. This webinar examines new life satisfaction and emotional distress items from the California Healthy Kids Survey (CHKS). Using survey results from over half a million students from the 2021-22 school year, researchers from the University of California, Santa Barbara will discuss the importance of assessing student well-being and guiding participants on how to interpret these items. Practical strategies for improving student mental well-being will be shared.

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Presenters:

Michael Furlong, PhD is a research professor and Distinguished Professor Emeritus of School Psychology at the University of California, Santa Barbara (2021/22 UCSB Edward A. Dickson Emeritus Professorship). He received the 2022 School Mental Health Research Award and provides consultation and support to the California Department of Education and WestEd related to CHKS. A co-editor of the Handbook of Positive Psychology in Schools (2009, 2014, 2022), he collaborates with colleagues on Project Covitality, supporting schools’ efforts to foster all students’ social–emotional development.

Erin Dowdy, PhD is a professor in the department of Counseling, Clinical, and School Psychology at the University of California, Santa Barbara. She is a licensed psychologist and a nationally certified school psychologist. Her research career and scholarly publications have focused on universal assessment for social and emotional health and risk. She is focused on equitable screening practices. Dr. Dowdy has a record of past success at disseminating research in peer-reviewed journals and at professional conferences. Her research and collaborative work with schools, state, and community agencies has been funded by various agencies.