Looking Beyond Behavior: A Whole Child Approach to Student Success

Can you imagine sitting in a classroom, trying to understand math when you can’t see the screen? What about if you had a toothache? Health barriers to learning and development, like uncorrected vision problems and dental pain, interfere with students’ ability to learn, and disproportionately impact children in underserved communities. This presentation is designed to encourage school and community stakeholders to look beyond presenting behaviors to identify and address the root cause of disrupted physical and mental health. Participants will leave with tangible resources, action items, and greater understanding of a whole child approach to student well-being. Presenter: Mary Lauren Salvatore, MPH, CHES, Integrated Wellness Manager, Georgia Department of Education Presented August 2022