(The Center Square) – Nearly every public school in Ohio provides prevention-focused programs for students, a number that has grown in only one year.
The state’s recently released Prevention Services report outlines progress from academic years 2021-22 and 2022-23 as schools continue to add programs to help students in developing knowledge and skills to engage in healthy behaviors and decision-making.
“Prevention-focused programs equip students with knowledge and skills to manage their health and well-being now and in the future,” Gov. Mike DeWine said. “Schools are strengthening partnerships with families and community organizations to ensure children are ready to learn each day.”
Ohio law requires each school district to implement a multi-tiered, schoolwide behavioral framework.
In the 2022-23 school year, schools reported increases in prevention-focused programs, services and supports, including:
• More than 94% of schools partnered with community coalitions, organizations or other external agencies to provide services and resources to families during the 2022-23 school year compared to more than 92% in the 2021-22 school year.
• A total of 3,192 (92.6%) schools reported efforts to engage with parents and families regarding services during the 2022-23 school year.
• More than 96% of schools provided prevention-focused professional development during the 2021-22 school year, while more than 97% of schools provided prevention-focused professional development during the 2022-23 school year.
“Students who are healthy, safe, and supported in the classroom are better prepared to meet their academic and career goals,” Ohio Department of Education and Workforce Director Stephanie Dackin said. “I applaud the ways Ohio schools, students, families, and community partners are working together to create positive school climates and address barriers that prevent students from engaging in learning.”
In both school years, the most reported prevention-focused curricula were Zones of Regulation, Character Education, Second Step, Signs of Suicide, and DARE, according to the report. Schools most often offered prevention-focused programs and supports during the school day and outside of the classroom.
During the 2021-22 school year, teachers were the most reported providers, according to the report.
School districts are given Student Wellness and Success Funds and Disadvantage Pupil Impact Aid through the state budget to implement the services.