New teachers would take the mandatory course during orientation, while existing teachers would take the course on a schedule to be created by TEA. Online courses will be an option, and details will be forthcoming.
Just how big of a problem is suicide in our Texas public school youth?
The bill’s author, Texas Senator Donna Campbell, R-New Braunfels filed the bill over concern that suicide is the second-leading cause of death in Texas among older teens, college age youth and young adults 15-34 and the third case of death among young teens ages 10-14.
“No matter where we live or what we do every day, each us has a role in preventing suicide. Our actions can make a difference…We have no time to waste.” – 2012 National Strategy for Suicide Prevention
As a call to action before the bill is set into motion, there are lots of resources available to Texas educators to help prevent suicide among our students.
Here are several resources:
Click to access K12_STW_Page.pdf
http://www.texassuicideprevention.org
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