School-University Partnerships to Enhance Rural School-Based Mental Health Services: The SPIRSS Project

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Saturday 8:00 am Four Seasons Ballroom 2-3
  In Roundtable Session: School-University Partnership Research Roundtable: Creating Space and Agency (Table 8)

Abstract

The School Psychology Partnerships to Increase Rural School-Based Services (SPIRSS) Project is a 5-year federally funded initiative aimed at training School Psychologists for employment in rural, high-need schools in one midwestern state to meet the mental health needs of K-12 students. This presentation will provide a comprehensive overview of the project’s objectives and key findings from the mixed-methods evaluation conducted over the first two years of implementation. These findings highlight the significant impact the project has had on addressing mental health challenges in underserved rural areas. Additionally, the presentation will illustrate how mutually beneficial school-university partnerships can be created to address complex community and educational challenges with innovative solutions.

Authors

• Heidi R. Stinchcomb, Wichita State University

• Angela Beeler, Wichita State University

• M. Patricia Hernandez-Nuhfer, Wichita State University

• Lakaya Bieker, Wichita State University