Putting Research Into Practice

Through the Practice Briefs on School Mental Health project, we offer free, concise summaries based on the latest research, designed for K-12 educators and school mental health professionals. Each brief is written by a national expert and reflects current best practices. 

Teacher working at table with four students

Use of Resilience Interventions to Support Students with Internalizing Concerns

Stephen Kilgus, Ph.D.
This practice brief provides an overview of two Tier 2 interventions: the Resilience Education Program (REP) and the Penn Resiliency Program (PRP), interventions aimed at reducing the number of students who need more resource-intensive support.
Photo of a frustrated student

Effective Use of Reinforcement for Students with Externalizing Challenging Behavior

Seth King, Ph.D., BCBA-D
This practice brief provides educators guidance on the importance of identifying reinforcement, providing reasonable expectations, administering reinforcement, and considering context.
Photo of student, parent, and teacher at a table

The Role of Family-School Partnerships in School Mental Health

Andy Garbacz, Ph.D.
This practice brief describes defining features of family-school partnerships, reviews family-school partnerships research, and identify how family-school partnerships can be aligned and integrated in school mental health systems and practices.
Teacher and student working together

Strategies to Reduce Disproportionate Discipline Practices in Schools

Rhonda Nese, Ph.D.
Extensive research has documented the link between exclusionary discipline and numerous detrimental youth outcomes. In this practice brief, learn effective prevention and intervention strategies to reduce exclusionary discipline practices.
Two kids talking at school

Developing Positive Personal Mindsets

Michael Furlong, Ph.D.,
Erin Dowdy, Ph.D.
This brief presents several ideas to encourage your MTSS team to explore practical strategies for promoting well-being through positive personal mindsets.
Students in desks raising hands

Promoting Student Social, Emotional, Behavioral, Well-Being Through School-Wide Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports

Tim Lewis, Ph.D.
This practice brief will introduce the essential elements of School-wide Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) to embed and connect school-based mental health supports across PreK-12 schools.
Photo of four young students using cell phones

Recognizing and Mitigating the Mental Health Risks of Social Media Use in Adolescents: A Guide for Parents and Schools

Jonathan Platt, Ph.D., MPH,
Gerta Bardhoshi, PhD, NCC, CSC(SD), LPC(SD), LMHC(IA), ACS, CMC-1,
Bengi Baran, Ph.D.
This practice brief examines the nuanced issues crucial for crafting effective policies and practices to mitigate harmful social media habits and improve teen mental health.
Holding hands

K-12 Suicide Prevention

Laura Gallo, Ph.D., NCC
This practice brief provides K-12 educators with evidence-based resources to identify and intervene when students are struggling with suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
Kids walking in school hallway

Prioritizing Mental Health in Preparing for College

Sarah Ketchen Lipson, Ph.D., EdM
This practice brief by Dr. Sarah Ketchen Lipson helps high school students and parents think about prioritizing mental health while preparing for upcoming college changes.
Two students on laptops at school

A Critical Consumer’s Guide to Implementation Science for School Mental Health Services

Yanchen Zhang, Ph.D.
In this practice brief, learn how to implement evidence-based practices to best support your students struggling with social, emotional, and behavioral (SEB) needs.