Voices of Wisconsin Students Project—Final Reports Released Statewide focus groups document Wisconsin students' experiences with learning, coping, and building resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic. This bulletin is being sent to the following lists: CCS Administration/Supervisors, Local Health Department Nurses, Tribal Health Directors, Comprehensive Community Services (CCS), Behavioral Health Providers, #HopeActLiveWI: Alcohol, Opioids, and Other Drugs, Coordinated Services Teams (CST): Program Staff, Crisis Intervention Network, Local Public Health Officers, Peer Specialist, Small Talks, Division of Care and Treatment Services: Action and Information Memos, Resilient Wisconsin Trauma-Informed News and Notes, Local Public Health Department Staff, and Mental Health Day Treatment for Youth. Wisconsin students have faced many challenges over the past year, and they have a lot to say about the nature of their struggles with learning, their mental health, overcoming obstacles, and building resilience, according to findings from the Voices of Wisconsin Students Project released by the Wisconsin Institute for Public Policy and Service (WIPPS) Research Partners and the Medical College of Wisconsin. Students from across Wisconsin were given the opportunity to participate in virtual focus groups with other students from across the state. In total, 160 middle and high school students participated in one of 23 focus groups hosted by WIPPS Research Partners in January and February 2021. The student participants were from 68 different communities, spanning 38 Wisconsin counties and attend 96 different public, private, and parochial schools. Together with their peers, the students discussed a range of topics of importance to them. Key findings The findings were compiled into separate reports for middle and high school students. The reports include much of what the students had to say, in their own voices. Among the key findings from the high school student focus group report are the following: - Many of the students are experiencing high, and increasing, levels of stress, anxiety, and in some cases, depression during the pandemic. For some, COVID-19 has exacerbated their existing mental health challenges.
- Many of the students perceive increases in the use of drugs, alcohol, and vaping products among their peers as ways to cope with stress, anxiety, boredom, and isolation during the pandemic.
- Many of the students described significant challenges with virtual learning environments; these challenges contribute to their stress and anxiety.
- The cancellation of sports, clubs, band, choir, performing arts, and other extracurricular activities is noted as a significant loss for many students. Many expressed a lack of connectedness to their school, teachers, and friends.
- The students identified their teachers as playing an especially important role in helping them feel more connected to their school and peers, and having a greater sense of belonging. Students' expectations of teachers in terms of providing leadership, reassurance, and support may be even more pronounced during COVID-19, especially for virtual learners.
- The students generally struggled to identify school-based or other resources available to help them with mental health concerns; many said they were trying to cope on their own. The students identified stigma, skepticism, self-reliance, and concerns about confidentiality as barriers to accessing mental health and wellness resources.
- Despite significant challenges, students are finding the silver linings and reasons to be positive, and many have developed a greater self-awareness. Students have developed new coping skills and ways to feel more resilient, which will help them be better students in the future.
The complete reports are available through WIPPS. Please share these reports widely in your community. Register for webinar of findings WIPPS Research Partners will host a Zoom presentation of the project findings on Wednesday, May 5, from 3:30–4:30 p.m. Please register ahead of time. Funding The Voices of Wisconsin Students is a project conducted by WIPPS Research Partners and the Medical College of Wisconsin. It was supported by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) with funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It was developed with input from many partners, including representatives of DHS, the Department of Public Instruction, the Office of Children's Mental Health, and the University of Wisconsin-Extension. |
No comments:
Post a Comment