By Rachel Greenroy, PhD, SSP
In recent years, and specifically in response to school shootings carried out by students, the mental health of students and the accountability of school systems are being scrutinized. Oftentimes, and after the fact, it has been found that school shooters have been communicating their thoughts in unconventional ways—such as through sinister drawings, particularly in journals.
As a school psychologist for a public school district, I know that teachers are currently under an increasing amount of pressure to recognize the signs of these potentially dangerous students. I am often on the receiving end of scenarios in which a teacher’s concern has sounded the alarm; they’ve encountered a student’s questionable drawing, and the student has been identified with needs beyond the scope of the general classroom setting.
Rachel Greenroy, PhD, SSP, is a Licensed Specialist in School Psychology for a school district in Texas, and part-time Adjunct Professor for Texas Woman’s University.
