As greater emphasis is placed on addressing critical school issues such as school-based mental health, violence prevention, and the effects of trauma, the utilization of school counselors should be examined to ensure that these uniquely-trained professionals are mobilized by school administrators to engage these issues. Q methodology was employed to explore how a convenience sampling of 32 current principals across varying demographics and grade levels conceptualize the role of the school counselor. The results of this study provide a rich understanding of how principals view school counselors in relation to the needs of their respective school communities. Evident is a clear and consistent emphasis of principals on the need for school counselors to have a strong rapport with their students. Discussed are additional steps that may be considered in further advancing the relationships between these two types of professionals, as well as insights to inform school principal preparation programs in how school leaders can appropriately utilize student services personnel.

The rising rate of youth suicide in rural Eastern North Carolina reflects the national trend. Although school nurses have been regarded as the gateway professional for mental health services, their role in suicide prevention is not well understood. The purpose of this study was to explore school nursing practice regarding suicide prevention of school-aged children in one vulnerable region of the United States. Focus groups and surveys were collected from 35 school nurses in six school districts. Findings indicate that suicide protocols inclusive of the school nurse can facilitate their role in suicide prevention. Variation of school nursing practice existed between and within districts. These variations in school nursing practice highlight the need for school districts within the state and across the country to examine their policies and practices for mental health equity. Barriers such as higher caseloads, role disconnect, and lack of specialized training contributed to variations in practice.

The aim of this study was to determine the relationship among high school suspension rates, scores received on the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) measurement, and a self-reported diagnosis of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Seven-hundred and fifty high school participants completed the ACE measurement and self-reported whether they had ever been diagnosed with ADHD. Each participant’s answers were compared with their respective high school discipline record. This study’s findings suggest that having a combination of ACEs and ADHD increases a student’s chances for being removed from school for misbehavior.

Adolescents in low-income and rural communities are at a higher risk for mental health concerns. This study used a mixed-methods, community-based participatory research design to examine teachers’ experiences managing students with emotional and mental health needs in a low-income middle school serving underrepresented youth. Barriers to connecting positively with students included disruptive student behaviors, a lack of student interest, and an emphasis on accountability measures for academic achievement. Three themes emerged: (a) disruptive student behavior resulted in a whack-a-mole approach to managing emotional health needs; (b) learning was often put on the back burner as teachers attempted Maslow before Bloom; and (c) a lack of training and limited time to connect positively with students contributed to missed connections. Findings from this study indicate that additional resources and staff training are needed to help rural, low-income schools support students who have emotional and mental health needs.

This article describes the incorporation of a pitch presentation early in a Doctor of Education (EdD) program to help pre-candidacy students develop a dissertation in practice topic that has the support of their workplace supervisor in the K-12 or higher education setting. Twenty participating EdD students conducted presentations to “pitch” their study idea to their workplace supervisors, who provided feedback and suggested adjustments to the research plan. Students reflected on the experience of preparing for, conducting, and receiving feedback on their pitch. Qualitative data analysis indicated students gained increased clarity and organization around their topic, as well as higher motivation.