An Examination of Mental Health Content in Course Work and Field Experiences in Connecticut Educational Leadership Preparation Programs

• Main Author: Papa, Dorothy P.
• Language: EN
• Published: Southern Connecticut State University 2017
• Subjects: Mental health|Educational leadership|Educational administration|Education|Teacher education
• Online Access: http://pqdtopen.proquest.com/#viewpdf?dispub=10278848

<p> This exploratory mixed method convergent parallel study examined Connecticut Educational leadership preparation programs for the existence of mental health content to learn the extent to which pre-service school leaders are prepared for addressing student mental health. Interviews were conducted with school mental health experts and Connecticut school principals to learn what leadership competencies they believe are needed for pre-service school leaders to address the mental health conditions of students. Responses yielded 11 suggested leadership competency content categories which served as the basis of two researcher-developed surveys completed by Connecticut program course professors and pre-service school leader students rating the extent to which mental health content was included in course work and field experience. Program course syllabi were examined for mental health content. Findings from the three data sources suggest there is a dearth of mental health content in curricula, and insufficient attention to clinical internship experiences. Connecticut Educational leadership preparation programs could do better in preparing pre-service school leaders for addressing the mental health needs of students.</p><p>