Emotional Backpack Project: Professional Development for School Personnel After Natural Disasters

• In Event: AERA Virtual Poster Session 2
  In Poster Session: Evaluation in Schools Poster Session

Abstract

Professional development for school staff has been associated with long-term individual, program, and field benefits. The Center for School Behavioral Health provided professional development workshops for school staff using modules in the Emotional Backpack Project (EBP). The purpose of this study was to evaluate EBP professional development training for selected Texas school personnel who helped students cope with behavioral and mental health needs. The objectives were to 1) evaluate participants’ perceptions of EBP module topics, 2) measure participants’ knowledge of selected workshop topics, and 3) test if significant differences occurred in participants’ perceptions and/or knowledge after participating in EBP professional development workshops. Analyses revealed significant appreciative gains (i.e., positive changes in perceptions and knowledge) in all EBP modules.

Authors

• Sana Haddad, Mental Health America of Greater Houston

• Gary Wingenbach, Texas A&M University - College Station

• Josephine Engels

• Jamie Freeny

• Janet Pozmantier

• Cecilia Hoeft

• Alejandra Posada