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Classrooms in Crisis: Teachers push for mental health services for students

House Bill 2224 would direct the Department of Education to distribute $83 million in grants for "social emotional learning, mental health services or trauma informed care for students.”

SALEM, Oregon — More than one dozen superintendents, teachers and counselors testified in front of the House Committee on Education during a public hearing in Salem Monday.

They are pushing for the passage of House Bill 2224, which would direct the Department of Education to distribute $83 million in grants for "social emotional learning, mental health services or trauma informed care for students.”

Educators, like Beaverton School District kindergarten teacher Katy Hoffman, told the committee what they experience every day.

"I had six room clears in one week. When I called the office, I was told to deal with it and then a secretary was sent down. That’s the kind of support I get," Hoffman said.

HB 2224 was referred to the education committee with subsequent referral to the Joint Committee on Student Success.

KGW has been looking into disruptive learning happening in schools across Oregon in our "Classrooms in Crisis" investigative series.

We've heard from hundreds of teachers, para educators and parents about the rise of verbal, physical and sometimes violent incidents happening in schools.

We've also heard about the severe lack of school counselors and mental health services for students.

Do you have a story or idea about our “Classrooms in Crisis” series? Please email us at callcristin@kgw.com

WATCH: Straight Talk | Classrooms in Crisis, Part 1

WATCH: Straight Talk | Classrooms in Crisis, Part 2

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KGW has interviewed dozens of teachers and school administrators about an increase in verbal, physical and sometimes violent disruptions in Oregon and Southwest Washington classrooms. We’ve received emails from hundreds of additional teachers who tell similar stories. Many teachers say they don’t have the proper training, support or resources to deal with this disruptive behavior. The teachers don’t blame the kids, pointing out that many students have suffered trauma in their lives; however, they say the current law makes it difficult to handle these incidents effectively. In many cases they are forced to clear all other students out of a classroom until a disruptive student can calm down. We will continue to tell these stories and push for solutions from lawmakers and school officials. 

Do you have a comment or idea related to our Classrooms in Crisis coverage? Please email callcristin@kgw.com

Please share this link to our Classrooms in Crisis section to keep the conversation going. https://www.kgw.com/classrooms-in-crisis

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