During a recent government meeting, educators expressed growing concerns about the emotional and behavioral health of school-age children, highlighting a significant decline in student engagement. One educator noted that many students appear \"totally checked out\" and lack motivation, a sentiment echoed by others in the field.

Prior to the pandemic, it was estimated that 20 to 25 percent of school-age youth faced significant emotional and behavioral health challenges. This statistic translates to one in every four or five children, with even higher rates among those in special education programs. The meeting underscored the critical link between a child's emotional well-being and their ability to learn effectively.

Participants emphasized the urgent need to address these issues, as many children are experiencing increased traumatic and stressful life events, a situation exacerbated by the pandemic. The discussion highlighted the importance of understanding these challenges to foster better participation and engagement in educational settings.