Gun control is not the problem or the solution. We need to be looking behind the gun at the person. Since these things are happening in schools where mental health is clearly a major concern (weather its kids being bullied or bad home life or other mental disorders) we should be teaching about it like we teach health class?
Just an idea!
Mindset Empowerment and Reframing Education Act (MEREA)
Section 1. Purpose
To equip middle school students with cognitive tools that foster resilience, self-confidence, and adaptive thinking through evidence-based mindset techniques, including cognitive reframing and positive psychology, modeled after the teachings of personal development methodologies.
Section 2. Definitions
• Cognitive Reframing: A mental strategy that helps individuals change their perspective on situations or beliefs to reduce negative thinking and promote resilience.
• Mindset Empowerment Curriculum (MEC): A structured program designed to introduce and integrate mindset training, including reframing techniques, into middle school classrooms.
• Positive Psychology: The scientific study of what makes life most worth living, focusing on positive aspects of the human experience such as strengths, resilience, and happiness.
Section 3. Program Development
• Curriculum Creation:
• The Department of Education, in collaboration with experts in psychology, education, and child development, will create a Mindset Empowerment Curriculum (MEC) that incorporates cognitive reframing, goal-setting, and self-awareness strategies tailored for students in grades 6–8.
• The MEC shall include, but not be limited to:
• Self-Awareness: Techniques for recognizing and understanding emotions, thoughts, and beliefs.
• Cognitive Reframing: Lessons on changing perspectives to promote positive thinking and resilience in difficult situations.
• Goal-Setting and Visualization: Tools for setting achievable goals and visualizing success to encourage confidence and purpose.
• Resilience-Building: Exercises for managing stress, setbacks, and failure constructively.
• Growth Mindset: Emphasizing the belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed with effort, dedication, and persistence.
• Pilot Programs:
• Establish a three-year pilot program in ten diverse school districts to evaluate the effectiveness and adaptability of the MEC.
• Pilot schools will receive funding for resources, training, and materials needed to implement the program effectively.
Section 4. Teacher Training and Professional Development
• Training Requirements:
• Teachers, counselors, and school psychologists in participating schools will be required to complete training in cognitive reframing, positive psychology, and growth mindset techniques.
• The training will be conducted through online and in-person workshops, with a focus on adapting techniques to suit middle school students’ developmental stages.
• Ongoing Support:
• The Department of Education will establish a Mindset Empowerment Resource Center (MERC) to provide ongoing support, resources, and updated training materials for educators.
• MERC will also offer a platform for teachers to share experiences, resources, and best practices.
Section 5. Parental and Community Involvement
• Parental Workshops:
• Schools will offer optional workshops to parents and guardians to explain the purpose of mindset training and offer guidance on reinforcing these principles at home.
• Community Partnerships:
• Schools are encouraged to partner with community organizations, including youth programs and mentorship organizations, to support mindset training outside the classroom.
Section 6. Evaluation and Reporting
• Program Evaluation:
• The Department of Education will contract an independent research organization to conduct an annual evaluation of the MEC’s impact on students’ emotional resilience, academic performance, and social behavior.
• Data collected will be anonymized and will focus on aggregate outcomes, such as reductions in disciplinary issues, improvements in academic performance, and self-reported student well-being.
• Annual Reporting:
• The Department of Education shall submit an annual report to Congress detailing program outcomes, challenges, and recommendations for scaling the MEC to other districts.
• If the pilot programs show positive outcomes, Congress will consider expanding the program nationwide.
Section 7. Funding and Resources
• Funding Allocation:
• $50 million is allocated to fund the pilot program, teacher training, curriculum development, and program evaluation.
• Schools in underserved areas shall receive priority for pilot program funding to ensure equitable access to mindset training.
• Future Funding:
• Based on the success of the pilot programs, future funding may be allocated to expand the program nationwide.
Section 8. Effective Date
This Act shall take effect one year from the date of enactment, with pilot programs to begin in the following academic year.
Summary: This bill creates a pilot program to introduce mindset training, cognitive reframing, and positive psychology techniques to middle school students. It emphasizes personal empowerment and resilience, equipping students with tools to handle adversity and think positively. If successful, the program can be expanded to other schools nationwide.