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Jefferson County School District, the largest school district in Colorado, commissioned a study to examine the type and extent of mental health needs of elementary school children, the impact of these needs, and appropriate recommendations for the district. Elementary schools were ranked according to estimated socioeconomic status of the students and 20 representative schools were chosen for the study. Since the high costs of measuring the children's unmet mental health needs were prohibitive, the study focused on educator's perceptions to answer its major questions. Over 400 educators serving as participants included principals, teachers, and the members of each school's Special Education and Related Services team. A questionnaire was used which focused on self-image, relationships with peers and adults, school skills and competencies, and other behavioral/emotional concerns. Participants were also interviewed. Results showed that educators perceived numerous unmet mental health needs involving 15-30 percent of the elementary school students and most felt these needs were increasing. Self-image ranked as the greatest need, followed by interpersonal relationships, and school skills and competencies. It is recommended that the educational community take immediate, bold steps to address the mental health needs of children. (ABL)

The relative effectiveness of two types of health education materials developed for children in grades 4 through 6 was evaluated. Materials tested were a comic book and a slide tape presentation, both of which emphasized a participatory role as health consumer. A total of 278 students, in 8 fifth-grade classes, participated. Students were randomly assigned into four groups: (1) comic book only; (2) slide tape units only; (3) comic book and slide tape; and (4) traditional health education films (control). The relative effectiveness of the comic book and slide tapes was tested in four 1-hour class sessions. The sessions dealt with what it is like to be a consumer, learning about oneself, asking questions and listening, helping to decide what to do, and taking care of oneself on a daily basis. All students compiled personal health records and learned about physical examinations. The effectiveness of the materials was demonstrated in both cognitive and affective test results. Knowledge scores increased according to the amount of innovative materials presented. Reaction questionnaire results showed generally positive opinions of the materials, with the comic book rated especially positive. (Authors/JD)