Practice Brief

Ready to Learn, Empowered to Teach: Guiding Principles for Effective Schools and Successful Students

June 2020 | National Association of School Psychologists (NASP)

This guide from the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) affirms that in order for students to achieve their best in school and be prepared for college or their career, school systems must empower teachers to teach and prioritize the academic, social-emotional, behavioral, and mental health needs of students. The authors state that all students require access to comprehensive and robust curricula, high-quality instruction, social-emotional learning, academic and behavioral supports, and mental health services within safe, respectful, supportive, and inclusive learning environments. The guide includes a framework of principles and emphasizes the importance of school-employed mental health professionals who collaborate with educators, administrators, families, and community providers to identify needs and provide appropriate services at individual, classroom, building, and districtwide levels.