DOI: 10.1108/978-1-80686-631-120261030 ISSN:
Mental Health in Schools: A Provincial Overview and a School Case Study
Sharon Friesen, Stephen MacGregor, Gina Cherkowski, Jennifer Turner, Dennis SumaraIn this chapter, we examine conditions that support effective and sustainable universal school-based mental health and wellbeing programs. Using Implementation Drivers together with Zhao’s Main and Side Effects perspective, we analyze Alberta’s policy context and a K to 9 whole school case focused on the MindUP program. Survey and fidelity data show stronger main effects, such as calm, feeling awareness, and a shared language for regulation, when competency, organizational, and leadership drivers align. Misalignment created side effects, including concerns about workload, repetition fatigue, and perceived loss of instructional time. We identify practical supports that promote both student and educator wellbeing.