Schools Archives - National Wraparound Initiative (NWI)
Rejecting Chronic Absenteeism as the New Normal in Student Attendance
July 11, 2025 | NWI
The number of students missing more than 10% of the school year skyrocketed in the COVID years from 15% in 2019 to 28% in 2022. Five years after the pandemic, attendance still hasn’t returned to normal, with 23% of K-12 students chronically absent. This article argues that America must reject the new normal of lower student attendance rates and act now to get attendance back on track, and presents some strategies.
Father’s Mental Health Can Impact Children for Years
May 30, 2025 | NWI
New research reveals that when paternal depression goes undiagnosed or unaddressed, the negative social and behavioral effects on children can persist for years. The study reports that children exposed to paternal depression when entering kindergarten are far more likely to have teacher-reported behavioral difficulties and poor social skills at age 9.
Education Department Halts Funding for School Mental Health
May 30, 2025 | NWI
The Trump administration says it will stop paying out $1 billion in federal grants that school districts across the country have been using to hire mental health professionals, including counselors and social workers.
Five Innovative Programs Supporting Black Students’ Mental Wellness
February 23, 2025 | NWI
A lack of mental health providers can hinder a Black student’s growth. These five organizations are showing up in and outside of schools.
Stories of Navigating Youth and Family Systems
January 13, 2025 | NWI
This podcast series features authentic stories shared by individuals who have navigated various youth and family systems. Each episode offers a unique perspective on their encounters within these systems and solutions to the challenges they faced.
What Exactly Is Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)?
May 13, 2024 | NWI
Generally, SEL means gaining skills and knowledge in areas like working with others to achieve a common goal, using emotional self-regulation, and maintaining healthy relationships. Students who participate in school-based SEL interventions experience significantly improved prosocial behaviors, academic achievement and peer relationships. This article draws out the connections between SEL and student mental health.
Family Money Problems Impact Teen Mental Health
April 8, 2024 | NWI
New research shows that teens are acutely affected by economic conditions in their daily lives and understand their families’ circumstances. Family finances can vary over time, and the research found that when teenagers said their family was experiencing hardship, they were more likely to be depressed and to get in trouble at school.
Intervention Shows Success in Reducing Disparities in Suspension Rates
January 8, 2024 | NWI
Despite attempts to eliminate bias from school discipline policies, Black students continue to receive harsher punishments than White students for the same infractions. A new intervention, known as empathic discipline, has led to dramatic improvements by encouraging teachers to cultivate a growth mindset and respond with empathy when students act out.
Youth Perspectives on Designing Equitable Out-of-School-Time Programs
December 1, 2023 | NWI
A youth-led research project provides an indication of how young people from marginalized communities may experience out-of-school-time programming, including that they are sometimes treated differently because of race, gender identity, or other factors.
Bike Riding in Middle School May Boost Mental Health
October 30, 2023 | NWI
Teaching middle schoolers bike riding skills as part of physical education classes may help improve their mental health. That’s according to a new study that looked at the effects of a 6-8 week cycling class taught in schools across the U.S.