Providing Social, Emotional, Behavioral, and Special Education Services in School from Coursera

Welcome to our the third course in the School Health specialization: Providing Social, Emotional, Behavioral, and Special Education Services in School. In this course, you will learn about how social-emotional skills, mental health, and learning are related. We will focus on how schools can support social-emotional learning and promote mental health for all students.

We will walk through the reasons that schools should promote student mental health. Next, we’ll review school wide activities to support skill development and prevent social, emotional, and behavioral challenges. Then, we’ll identify strategies for students at risk of developing problems. Finally, we’ll highlight interventions that can be used for students who have significant mental health needs. We will emphasize the ways that schools think about mental health problems and provide services for students with disabilities, which is different than in medical or mental health settings.

As part of the course, we will introduce two students to help all of this information come alive. Prepare yourself to learn about an essential piece of student wellness—social-emotional health.

What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction to Mental Health in Schools

In the next few lessons, you will learn broadly about the relationship between student health and learning. We will take a deeper dive to explore the relationship between mental health and learning. You will be introduced to a model schools can use to promote student mental health. Finally, you will meet two students – Kelsey and Javier. We will follow Kelsey and Javier throughout the entire course to illustrate the different supports available to promote student mental health and learning.

Tier 1 Interventions

In this module we will learn about interventions that all students can receive to promote social-emotional well being and prevent mental health problems. You will learn about different ways that schools can promote a positive environment, teach social-emotional skills, respond to diverse learners, support students exposed to trauma, and prevent bullying and suicide.

Tier 2 interventions

in this module we will learn about strategies that schools use for some students who are at risk of developing social-emotional or behavioral problems. We will discuss how schools create plans and monitor the success of these interventions using data. We will provide examples of different approaches that schools can use depending on the student’s area of need, including interventions for behavior problems, social skills, bullying, and coping.

Tier 3 Interventions

In these final lessons, you will learn about the most intensive levels of support meant for few students with significant social-emotional or behavioral challenges. You will also learn about how students with identified special needs may also be eligible for individualized supports through 504 plans and/or Individualized Education Plans. Finally, you will find out what happened with our students - Kelsey and Javier!

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Develops critical skills for student mental health and the prevention of SEL challenges

Taught by recognized instructors: Daniel Nicklas, Eve Kutchman, Lauren Welch, and Karen Hecker

Examines the latest research and strategies for supporting student mental health and SEL

Provides a strong theoretical foundation for understanding social-emotional, behavioral, and special education services in schools

Involves case studies and examples to illustrate how concepts can be applied in real-world settings

May require prior knowledge or experience to fully benefit from this course

Reviews summary

Supporting learners: special, emotional, and behavioral services

Learners say that this course is largely positive, offering well received information about providing social, emotional, behavioral, and special education services in school settings. Key highlights include instructors with engaging assignments, difficult exams, informative videos, and real-world examples. Resources such as readings and case studies like those of Kelsey and Javier are cited as useful in applying concepts to school scenarios. However, it is important to note that the course's focus on the American educational system may limit its applicability in other contexts.

Clear and engaging professors

"The staff is amazing! They teach very well and give clarifying examples!"

"love the professors and the accessibility of reading materials to the transcript of videos!"

Helpful readings and examples

"Great informative videos, and resources provided throughout the course!"

"I felt the information from the videos was practical and easy to digest, and the additional material complimented what was stated."

Relevant and engaging assignments

"I like the case studies that were really helpful in applying the techniques being taught."

"this course helps more to understand the behavior of students and be able to help them by providing interventions"

Focus on the American educational system

"It was very imformative ; but i needed something that would be more deep and explain explicitly how to apply intervention plans in schools"

"I enjoy the course. It is a shame that it is us centered."

Career center

Learners who complete Providing Social, Emotional, Behavioral, and Special Education Services in School will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

School Counselor

School counselors provide students with the social, emotional, and behavioral support they need to succeed in school and in life. This course can help you develop the skills you need to provide these services. You will learn about how to assess students' mental health needs, develop and implement interventions to address these needs, and collaborate with teachers, parents, and other school staff to support students' mental health and well-being. Take this course to prepare for your role as a school counselor.

See salaries and explore the career path for School Counselor

School Psychologist

School psychologists are responsible for assessing and treating students with mental health problems. This course can help you develop the skills you need to provide these services. You will learn about how to conduct psychological assessments, develop and implement treatment plans, and collaborate with teachers, parents, and other school staff to support students' mental health and well-being. An understanding of mental health and well-being in schools can help you thrive as a school psychologist.

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Special Education Teacher

Special education teachers provide instruction to students with disabilities. This course can help you develop the skills you need to provide these services. You will learn about how to assess students' needs, develop and implement individualized education plans, and collaborate with parents and other school staff to support students with disabilities. Take this course to prepare for your role as a special education teacher and to learn more about mental health in school.

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Social Worker

Social workers provide support to individuals, families, and communities. This course can help you develop the skills you need to provide these services in a school setting. You will learn about how to assess students' needs, develop and implement interventions to address these needs, and collaborate with teachers, parents, and other school staff to support students' mental health and well-being. Learn about the needs of students with mental health concerns to be a more effective social worker.

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Guidance Counselor

Guidance counselors provide academic, career, and personal counseling to students. This course can help you develop the skills you need to provide these services. You will learn about how to assess students' needs, develop and implement interventions to address these needs, and collaborate with teachers, parents, and other school staff to support students' mental health and well-being. After taking this course, you will be better prepared to help students overcome academic, career, and personal challenges.

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Educational Psychologist

Educational psychologists apply psychological principles to help students learn and succeed in school. This course can help you develop the skills you need to provide these services. You will learn about how to assess students' learning needs, develop and implement interventions to address these needs, and collaborate with teachers, parents, and other school staff to support students' academic success. Take this course to prepare for your role as an educational psychologist and to better understand how mental health impacts learning.

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Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist

Child and adolescent psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of mental health problems in children and adolescents. This course may be useful for you if you are interested in pursuing a career in child and adolescent psychiatry. You will learn about how to assess students' mental health needs, develop and implement treatment plans, and collaborate with teachers, parents, and other school staff to support students' mental health and well-being.

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Marriage and Family Therapist

Marriage and family therapists provide therapy to individuals, couples, and families. This course may be useful for you if you are interested in pursuing a career as a marriage and family therapist. You will learn about how to assess students' mental health needs, develop and implement treatment plans, and collaborate with teachers, parents, and other school staff to support students' mental health and well-being.

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Clinical Psychologist

Clinical psychologists provide therapy to individuals, couples, and families. This course may be useful for you if you are interested in pursuing a career as a clinical psychologist. You will learn about how to assess students' mental health needs, develop and implement treatment plans, and collaborate with teachers, parents, and other school staff to support students' mental health and well-being.

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School Administrator

School administrators are responsible for the overall operation of a school. This course may be useful for you if you are interested in pursuing a career as a school administrator. You will learn about how to create and maintain a positive school climate, develop and implement school policies, and collaborate with teachers, parents, and other school staff to support students' learning and well-being.

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Curriculum Developer

Curriculum developers design and develop educational materials. This course may be useful for you if you are interested in pursuing a career as a curriculum developer. You will learn about how to develop and implement curriculum that is aligned with state and national standards, and how to incorporate social-emotional learning into the curriculum.

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Educational Researcher

Educational researchers conduct research on teaching and learning. This course may be useful for you if you are interested in pursuing a career as an educational researcher. You will learn about how to design and conduct research studies, and how to use research findings to improve teaching and learning.

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Policy Analyst

Policy analysts research and analyze public policies. This course may be useful for you if you are interested in pursuing a career as a policy analyst. You will learn about how to conduct policy analysis, and how to use research findings to inform policy decisions.

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Nonprofit Manager

Nonprofit managers oversee the operations of nonprofit organizations. This course may be useful for you if you are interested in pursuing a career as a nonprofit manager. You will learn about how to manage a nonprofit organization, and how to develop and implement programs that meet the needs of the community.

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Youth Advocate

Youth advocates provide support and guidance to young people. This course may be useful for you if you are interested in pursuing a career as a youth advocate. You will learn about how to work with young people, and how to provide them with the support they need to succeed in school and in life.

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