New Research finds that U.S. education policies are the cause of poor academic and mental health

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. - April 18, 2013 - PRLog -- Teachers, U.S. Department of Education, state policy makers, and parents have been waiting for a comprehensive framework for the reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), currently known as No Child Left Behind (NCLB).  Until now there has been no clear and comprehensive framework for teachers, school counselors, school leaders and policy makers to use to make certain that they are following new best practices that will transform learning and well-being outcomes and prepare students for the 21st Century.

At a time when school counselors are attempting to provide mental health best practices in support of the Safe Schools / Healthy Students Initiative, and teachers are searching for new methods to empower the socio-emotional well-being of their students, this book offers a research based theory and practices. This timely study provides a comprehensive framework for impacting the psychological and physical well-being of children and adolescents through schooling while simultaneously dramatically improving academic results.

“If we reauthorize the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) using the ideas and models now under consideration, we will not close the achievement gaps, improve our standing in the world, nor prepare young people for lifelong success,” according to Dr. Henry G. Brzycki, a prominent education and psychology thought leader. In his new book, The Self in Schooling: Theory and Practice – How to Create Happy, Healthy, Flourishing Children in the 21st Century, Dr. Brzycki identifies teaching self knowledge as the key to producing better people who are better equipped to meet modern day challenges.

“Education leaders are relying upon methods and models grounded in the past and appropriate for 19th century demands” explained Dr. Brzycki.  “However, children have to be emotionally well and have healthy self knowledge first, before they can meet and exceed academic standards and create a positive life course trajectory in more complex times. “ He explained that when teachers don’t teach self knowledge in schools, they endanger children’s and adolescent’s future potentials in life and socio-emotional wellness, resulting in gun violence, childhood obesity, and depressive states. “I challenge the American Federation of Teachers, the U.S. Department of Education, and local communities to take immediate action and focus upon teaching self knowledge that leads to positive mental and physical health outcomes—while also strengthening academic outcomes.”  

Grounded in scholarly research and 30 years of counseling and teaching experience, Dr. Brzycki’s book is the only comprehensive framework of psychological and physical well-being research and practice as they relate to schooling.  

This important new book is available in print and eBook formats from Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Apple’s iBookstore.  Dr. Brzycki heads The Brzycki Group, a human development and learning research and education organization located in State College, Pennsylvania.  Inquiries can be made at: www.brzyckigroup.com.