WHAT IS THE ROLE OF THE CATHOLIC ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PRINCIPAL IN UTILIZING DISTRICT-PROVIDED AND OUTSIDE SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL RESOURCES FOR THEIR STUDENTS?

Abstract

The social and emotional health support framework provided to the teachers and students by an elementary school principal is essential in providing a valid framework for researching and utilizing mental health resources within the school setting. The leadership role of a principal can validate or invalidate the use of mental health resources for their students and teachers. This framework can provide social and emotional support to children experiencing emotional support needs. In all elementary schools, a coordinated effort between teachers, administrators, and community stakeholders associated with assistance programs can enhance the quality of life for the students as well as provide recommended support to the teachers when referring an elementary school student for a social and emotional health assessment. As such, it is important that a broader social and emotional field of research is conducted so that Catholic elementary school teachers feel supported in their attempts to assist students who are struggling with low levels of self-worth or feelings of anxiety, self-harm, suicide, or depression. This study is designed to answer two questions that are foundational to the effort to improve social and emotional resources for students at the Catholic elementary school level. The first question is: what is the role of the Catholic elementary school principal in utilizing district-provided and outside social and emotional resources for their students? The second question is: what is the role of the Catholic elementary school principal when two different counties do not offer the same social and emotional health resources for Catholic school students?