RIC's Equity in Ed. Hub to Release Latest Research at Webinar, Jan. 13

This is the findings in the latest report by Rhode Island College's Social Policy Hub for Equity Research in Education (SPHERE).

On Wed., Jan. 13, SPHERE will present its findings at a webinar from 5:30-7 p.m. Also presenting their latest research will be Roger Williams University's Center for Youth & Community Leadership in Education (CYCLE). CYCLE has just completed a study on the impact of police in Providence public schools. Both SPHERE's and CYCLE's research studies were conducted in partnership with the Providence Alliance for Student Safety. This webinar is free and open to the public.

Titled "School-Based Mental Health Support for Rhode Island Youth: Policy Recommendations to Address Students' Exposure to Adverse Childhood Experiences," SPHERE's report was authored by Kalina Brabeck, RIC professor of counseling, educational leadership and school psychology, and a SPHERE faculty fellow.

In her study, Brabeck highlights the lack of mental health professionals in Rhode Island schools. She notes that the overall student-school counselor ratio in Rhode Island is 392:1, yet the ratio recommended by the American School Counselor Association is 250:1; and the overall student-social worker ratio in Rhode Island is 686:1, while the ratio recommended by the School Social Work Association of America is 250:1.

According to Brabeck, "While the main mission of schools is to educate students, the data are clear: investing in school mental health staff improves academic and behavioral outcomes of youth. Schools that employ more school-based mental health providers see improved attendance, improved academic outcomes, better graduation rates and lower rates of suspension and other disciplinary referrals."

CYCLE's research, titled "School Discipline and Student Safety in the Providence Public School District," highlights the disproportionate number of Black students in Providence public schools who are represented in student arrests. Though Black students make up 16 percent of overall enrollment, they account for 30 percent of all student arrests. Black male students, in particular, are disproportionately represented.

Together, CYCLE's and SPHERE's research provides evidence and support for police-free schools and additional investment in student supports and services focused on mental health.

Adrienne Goss, founder of SPHERE and assistant professor of social and educational policy, states, "This research uplifts a collective approach to academic and behavioral challenges, one that takes into account historical and systemic trauma, the value of restorative practices and the ongoing need for mental health supports."

Presentations by SPHERE and CYCLE will be followed by a facilitated discussion by a panel of youth and educators about how to better support students and create safe school environments. Audience members will be able to submit questions during the Q & A period.

SPHERE is housed in RIC's Feinstein School of Education and Human Development and has as its mission to engage Rhode Island College students and faculty, in partnership with Rhode Island community members, in conducting and disseminating research for equitable educational and social policies. SPHERE endeavors to help Rhode Islanders understand and become more involved in education policy decisions.

CYCLE partners with communities and schools to build capacity, alliances and power through learning, relationships and organizing. CYCLE supports youth, families and educators to organize, fight for and win policies and practices that create equitable opportunities and just outcomes for every student.