ROCHESTER, Minn. – In response to a new mandate in Minnesota, Rochester Public Schools (RPS) is enhancing its mental health instruction and support within the school curriculum. The new law requires mental health education in public and charter schools for grades 4-12, shifting from previous guidance that simply encouraged such instruction.
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To assist in this transition, the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) collaborated with the Minnesota chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) to create a guidance document outlining how schools can integrate mental health standards into their existing curricula and environments.
Sarah Clarke, the Mental Health Coordinator for RPS, noted that the district has already been teaching mental health concepts, and the program will not undergo major changes. She explained that RPS includes lessons on mental health awareness and coping skills as part of its health curriculum, along with discussions in various academic subjects, particularly when mental health topics arise in assigned readings.
Clarke highlighted a growing emphasis on supporting students' mental health and fostering environments conducive to well-being. She attributes this shift to improved access to support services in schools, including counselors and social workers.
The MDE is in the process of revising its mental health standards to further enhance this initiative.