WCSU, Brookfield educators ID ‘Typical or Troubled’ behavior
 

DANBURY, CONN. — Western Connecticut State University and the Brookfield School District are working together to educate school staff on how to identify students who might need emotional or mental health support while there is still time to help them.

WCSU Professor of Education & Educational Psychology Dr. Gabriel Lomas is leading training for middle and high school staff to provide “more awareness on troubling behavior so that some stabilization can be put in place.” If it proves effective, Lomas said, the program could be offered to districts throughout the region.

The Brookfield program is supported with a $1,000 “Typical or Troubled” grant from the American Psychiatric Foundation. The money will pay for books and similar information for teachers and staff.

Following the Sandy Hook Elementary School murders in 2012, the state Legislature passed several laws regarding physical safety of schools and evaluation of emotional, mental and behavioral health issues among students.

“Most teachers have such a jammed curriculum that they’re often not exposed to information and literature that can help them identify behavior that needs to be addressed,” Lomas said. “We’re making inroads to destigmatize mental illness and create early intervention.”

Each member of the staff of the middle and high schools will attend the 90-minute training sessions. The evidence-based curriculum is similar to that taught in education courses for aspiring teachers at Western, Lomas said.

“We’re creating more awareness in the classroom, which will help teachers to identify troubling behavior and methods to stabilize the situation,” Lomas said.

For more information, call the Office of University Relations at (203) 837-8486.

Western Connecticut State University offers outstanding faculty in a range of quality academic programs. Our diverse university community provides students an enriching and supportive environment that takes advantage of the unique cultural offerings of Western Connecticut and New York. Our vision: To be an affordable public university with the characteristics of New England’s best small private universities.