Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) serves a diverse student population of more than 131,000 students in 201 schools. While striving to provide quality learning experiences, PGCPS acknowledges the importance of fostering safety and well-being within its community. A Strategic Planning and Equity Survey was administered and revealed gaps in mental health support for students. PGCPS is committed to addressing these challenges by focusing on social-emotional learning (SEL), mental health services, and creating safe and supportive environments. Data from the Maryland Report Card and the Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) highlight areas requiring targeted interventions to address mental health needs and promote a positive school climate as well.
As part of a well-rounded education, PGCPS provides health education instruction to students at every grade level. However, there is a need to ensure inclusivity and quality in the health education delivered, particularly at the secondary level where some teachers lack specialized training in health education pedagogy.
To address gap in mental health support and health education, funding is sought to hire a full-time employee for the Office of Health Education to oversee the implementation of the What Works In Schools program in PGCPS and to enhance surveillance of adolescent risk behaviors through the YRBS and school practices through the School Health Profiles Survey. By investing in teacher professional development and promoting student well-being, PGCPS is committed to creating a healthier and more supportive learning environment for all students.
