Title: The Dangerous Experiment of Illinois Public Schools in Mental Health Screening The recent decision by Illinois public schools to force annual mental health screenings on all public school kids in grades 3-12 raises serious concerns about the competence and capability of these institutions. With failing math and reading scores, it is questionable whether they should be entrusted with handling children’s mental wellbeing. The idea behind shifting mental healthcare from reactive to preventive sounds noble on paper but fails in practice when considering the current state of Illinois schools. According to Wirepoints, only 39% of students—1.1 million kids—read at grade level, and math scores are even worse. If these institutions cannot teach children basic literacy and numeracy skills, how can they be expected to handle complex mental health issues? Moreover, the one-size-fits-all approach taken by using tablets for screening is problematic as it does not account for individual differences among students. Mental health is deeply personal, and a standardized questionnaire cannot capture each child’s unique struggles. Schools are not therapy offices; they lack the expertise to delve into the root causes of a student’s problems. The potential implications of this decision could be disastrous if left unchecked. It sets a dangerous precedent where schools, already struggling with basic education, are now expected to take on additional responsibilities beyond their scope and competence. This shift in focus may lead to further neglect of core subjects like math and reading, exacerbating the existing educational crisis. In conclusion, while the intention behind this initiative is commendable, it is crucial to consider its practicality within the context of failing Illinois public schools. Instead of relying on schools for mental health support, efforts should be made to strengthen their capacity in providing quality education and fostering a conducive learning environment that promotes academic success as a foundation for good mental health.
Source: [Original Article](https://www.foxnews.com/opinion/do-you-trust-system-thats-failing-education-handle-your-childs-mental-health)
#trust
Check out my AI projects on Hugging Face, join our community on Discord, and explore my services at GhostAI!
