Scotts Valley Unified School District is making significant strides in addressing the social and emotional challenges of students in the post-lockdown learning environment.

On November 8, the Scotts Valley Education Foundation (SVEF) announced that it will provide $100,000 this year to hire two behavioral intervention specialists if the public school system can provide matching funds.

A spokesperson for SVEF said in a release, “It’s more important than ever to build a healthy foundation to support the mental health and wellbeing of students in our district. The Scotts Valley Education Foundation is committed to this important cause. I am delighted to be able to contribute to the support of

These new employees will train employees on how to better manage student behavior and provide teachers and staff with additional strategies to support learners more effectively.

Working with district officials, SVEF identifies areas of greatest need each year.

Behavioral challenges have become enduring challenges for educators after years of upheaval due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

In 2020, SVUSD ranked 13th out of the top 100 districts in California, according to a backgroundchecks.org survey.

Although the district’s students continue to perform relatively well on standardized tests, they are not immune to social and emotional problems. But this is not a problem unique to SVUSD.

A study by the National Center for Education Statistics found that 87% of public schools said the pandemic had damaged the social and emotional development of their students.

“As we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic, schools are beginning to find this directionally true in the Scotts Valley Integrated School District, where we are seeing an increase in the challenges facing educators. ” said a spokesperson for SVEF, urging more action workers. “This incremental resource for our schools will support not only our students, but our district’s amazing teachers and faculty.”

SVEF says the dollar will ultimately make a difference for at-risk youth and students with disabilities at Brook Knoll Elementary, Vine Hill Elementary, Scotts Valley Middle School and Scotts Valley High School.

The volunteer-run nonprofit was founded in 1983 to strengthen the curriculum and maintain high educational standards in the district. To date, we have funded over $1 million.