• MHLC - Mental Health Literacy Program Evaluation Tool

    Sponsored by MYNDSTREAM

  • Before you begin!
    You may find the introduction and background document for this tool helpful.

    To download the document, CLICK HERE.

  • Using the Tool

    Whether you are new to mental health literacy (MHL) education programming or you are a seasoned MHL curriculum leader, this tool is meant to serve you in selecting appropriate mental health education programming. This tool may work best as part of locally led implementation goals using strategies and practices rooted in Improvement and Implementation Sciences.

    Elements of the Tool

    The tool is composed of the 4 MHL Components developed by Kutcher et al. (2016). Each MHL Component includes 4 Key Competencies, providing the general application for each component. Each Key Competency includes 2-6 Key Learnings. These further clarify Key Competencies, offering examples related to each Key Competency. 

    *Note: Developmental appropriateness should be considered when reviewing Key Learnings. Following these mental health literacy elements of the tool.

    Using the Tool to Select Appropriate Programming

    1. Determine which mental health literacy (MHL) components you wish to address with programming: (1) How to foster and maintain positive mental health, (2) Common mental health disorders and their treatments, (3) How to seek help effectively, (4) Stigma and how to reduce it.
    Note: You may identify all four components, or only one, two, or three components to prioritize.

    2. Identify and review possible MHL programming that addresses the selected component(s). For a list of vetted MHL programs available for schools, visit: https://www.mentalhealthinstruction.org/

    3. For each selected component, review the four Key Competencies and the supporting Key Learnings, which help guide understanding of each key competency. Lists of Key Learnings are not exhaustive, and in some cases, Key Learnings may not be developmentally appropriate.

    4. Checkmark each Key Competency that is addressed. Total checkmarks for each MHL Component.

    5. For each MHL Component, identify as fully addressed (4 Key Competencies checked), partially addressed (1-3 Key Competencies checked), or not addressed at all (0 Key Competencies checked).

    6. Review and respond to the Additional Program Considerations questions.

    7. Repeat steps 1-6 to evaluate each potential program.

    8. Assemble the implementation team to review findings. Identify a potential program or programs for piloting and outline steps for pilot implementation.

    9. Engage community stakeholders, including teachers, administrators, curriculum specialists, mental health professionals, parents/caregivers, and student representatives. Outline expected outcomes, proposed timeline, and assessment plans. Gather input from the school community, giving a flavor of the program to communicate about the plan and educate (e.g., mental health literacy) - to inform about the chosen program.

    10. Provide appropriate professional learning opportunities to enhance educator knowledge and confidence. Develop bidirectional communication channels for ongoing feedback during the pilot process.

    11. Implement the pilot program. Monitor closely, assess outcomes, and collect data.

    12. Assess outcomes of pilot to decide on next steps. Before expanding implementation, what changes should be made?

  • To Learn More About our Sponsor, Myndstream
    Visit www.Myndstream.com

  • Section 1: How to Foster & Maintain Positive Mental Health

    After opening the section below, review the four (4) Key Competencies indicated by the roman numerals. If ANY of the Key Learnings (checkboxes) are clicked, this counts as addressing the Key Competency for your final tally at the end of the section. ***If you are not evaluating for this MHL Component, please open and scroll to select the "SKIP Section" option to proceed***
    • Section 1: Key Competencies & Key Learnings (Click to Open) 
    • I. Overall Health: Recognize the connection between and the importance of mental health, physical health, and overall health.
    • II. The Brain: Recognize mental health as a key component of brain health.
    • III. Strategies and Practices: Demonstrate understanding of and ability to practice various strategies for fostering positive mental health.
    • IV. Protective & Risk Factors: Understand how protective and risk factors influence mental health.
    • Final Tally: How to Foster & Maintain Positive Mental Health*

  • Section 2: Understand Common Mental Health Disorders and Treatments

    After opening the section below, review the four (4) Key Competencies indicated by the roman numerals. If ANY of the Key Learnings (checkboxes) are clicked, this counts as addressing the Key Competency for your final tally at the end of the section. ***If you are not evaluating for this MHL Component, please open and scroll to select the "SKIP Section" option to proceed***
    • Section 2: Key Competencies & Key Learnings (Click to Open) 
    • I. Range of Concerns: Understand the range of mental health concerns and the distinction between problems and diagnosed disorders.
    • II. Mental Health Disorders: Recognize mental health disorders as diagnosed health conditions.
    • III. Identify Warning Signs: Identify common early signs and symptoms for mental health disorders and warning signs of crises.
    • IV. Treatments & Recovery: Demonstrate an understanding of common treatments and the recovery process.
    • Final Tally: Understand Common Mental Health Disorders and Treatments*

  • Section 3: How to Seek Help Effectively for Self and Others

    After opening the section below, review the four (4) Key Competencies indicated by the roman numerals. If ANY of the Key Learnings (checkboxes) are clicked, this counts as addressing the Key Competency for your final tally at the end of the section. ***If you are not evaluating for this MHL Component, please open and scroll to select the "SKIP Section" option to proceed***
    • Section 3: Key Competencies & Key Learnings (Click to Open) 
    • I. Help-Seeking: Understand the role of help-seeking to address mental health needs for self and others.
    • II. Who to Involve: Identify people in schools and communities who can offer help, and know how to choose who to involve.
    • III. Resources & Supports: Demonstrate understanding of the range of supports available in school and the community, including when and how to access them.
    • IV. Taking Action: Understand when seeking help is required and what steps to take to initiate help-seeking for self or others.
    • Final Tally: How to Seek Help Effectively for Self and Others*

  • Section 4: Understand Stigma and Strategies for Reduction

    After opening the section below, review the four (4) Key Competencies indicated by the roman numerals. If ANY of the Key Learnings (checkboxes) are clicked, this counts as addressing the Key Competency for your final tally at the end of the section. ***If you are not evaluating for this MHL Component, please open and scroll to select the "SKIP Section" option to proceed***
    • Section 4: Key Competencies & Key Learnings (Click to Open) 
    • Recognition: Understand stigma and identify positive attitudes and behaviors that oppose it.
    • Impact: Demonstrate understanding of how stigma affects mental health by explaining its impact on individuals, communities, and access to care.
    • Language: Demonstrate understanding of stigmatizing language and its potential harm.
    • Strategies: Understand and demonstrate practice using various stigma reduction strategies to promote empathy and understanding.
    • Final Tally: Understand Stigma and Strategies for Reduction*

  • Implementation Considerations

    After evaluating the program using the MHL components, Key Competencies, and Key Learnings, review the following Considerations. Click next to proceed.

  • Considerations: Lesson Logistics

  • Considerations: Lesson Quality and Suitability

  • Considerations: Educator Needs and Supports

  • Considerations: Accessibility

  • Considerations: Home/Family

  • Considerations: Program Assessments

  • Considerations: Cost(s)

  • To Learn More About our Sponsor, Myndstream,

    Visit www.Myndstream.com

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