Today’s children find the journey to adulthood fraught with more challenges than ever before. External pressures such as parental job loss or even drug use, coupled with intense bullying at school, can lead to declines in academic performance, as well as depression and suicide.
Fortunately, there is help.
The Model Student Assistance Program trains educators in setting up in-school Core Teams to observe and take action to provide help to at-risk children. The intensive three-day training session is offered to any school in Michigan and offers practice sessions designed to simulate real events. Presentations are also given on subjects including “Characteristics of an Addictive Family,” “Pharmacological Effects of Drugs,” and “Creating a Crisis Response Team.”
The objective is early and effective intervention with students demonstrating patterns of behavior that could threaten their success at school and could be indicators of problems associated with internal or external abuse.
During training, information is presented on developmental assets and the role they play in a child’s life. The MMSAP program focuses on the emotional and social learning of our children, sending them a lifeline of hope.
Training and materials have been developed by Newman/Stecher International & Thom Stecher & Associates, educational consulting firms that provide training and technical assistance to educators. Services are offered to school districts, state departments of education and community groups throughout the country.
To date, more than 4,000 educational professionals—teachers, administrators, paraprofessionals, coaches, support staff, counselors and others—have completed the MMSAP program in addition to more than 1,000 students and parents.
Education professionals can receive up to five (5) continuing educational credits (CEUs) from Ferris State University. A nominal fee applies to participants.
