The implementation of specialized instructional support personnel (SISP) in schools, including school counselors, school social workers, and school psychologists, is essential to provide students with comprehensive academic, career, mental health, and social-emotional support. By reducing staff-to-student ratios and implementing targeted and schoolwide mental health interventions, we can simultaneously improve students' well-being and academic achievement. This approach addresses the prevalence of mental health disorders among children, the impact of trauma on learning, and the lack of access to mental health services in schools.

One in four children experiences a mental health disorder annually, with half of those being diagnosed before the age of 14. Additionally, nearly half of all children will encounter traumatic events before reaching adulthood, including experiences like violence, extreme poverty, and the opioid epidemic's consequences. To address these challenges, it is crucial to have trained professionals available in schools, providing support and guidance to students facing puberty, family issues, bullying, and the effects of parental addiction. Having a supportive environment with trained adults can significantly enhance students' well-being and their ability to focus on learning.

Research shows that mental health issues, such as attention difficulties, delinquency, and substance use, negatively impact academic achievement. Similarly, trauma experiences are associated with lower standardized test scores and an increased risk of learning disabilities or behavioral disorders. It is not only the affected students who suffer academically but also their classmates. For example, when a student experiences domestic violence at home, the academic performance of their peers can decline as well. This demonstrates the need for intervention and support systems that address the broader context and culture of the entire classroom.

Despite the evident need for mental health services and their significant impact on student achievement, many children lack access to such support. Only 20 percent of children and adolescents who require mental health services receive them within a 12-month period, with schools being the most common setting for these services. Unfortunately, shortages of school-based mental health personnel are a significant barrier, with school psychologists often operating at ratios far higher than recommended. Insufficient staff numbers make it impossible to meet students' needs adequately, emphasizing the urgency to hire additional specialized instructional support personnel.

Specialized instructional support personnel play a crucial role in enhancing students' well-being, academic achievement, and school climate. By addressing the shortage of mental health professionals in schools, we can ensure that every student has access to counseling from trained professionals and the necessary support for implementing schoolwide behavioral programs and social-emotional learning initiatives. Separating mental health counseling and academic guidance roles is essential to cater to the unique needs of students, particularly those who are the first in their family to pursue higher education. By prioritizing these measures, we can provide a comprehensive support system that guides students' college and career choices while fostering their emotional and academic growth. 

Simhoni, S. (2022, July 27). 7 Great Education Policy Ideas for Progressives in 2018. Center for American Progress. https://www.americanprogress.org/article/7-great-education-policy-ideas-progressives-2018/