Gatekeeper Training Simulation for NYS High Schools Educators Jennifer Spiegler Director, Strategic Partnerships Kognito Interactive

Need for HS Gatekeeper Training Suicide is the 3 rd leading cause of death for teens ages In 2009, 14.5% of high school students had seriously considered suicide and 6.9% had attempted suicide one or more times (CDC) Gatekeeper Training among key strategies for prevention in 2001 SAMHSA National Suicide Prevention Strategy The Facts: The Challenges: Time constraints Perceptions of role Confidence in abilities to recognize and address MH issues Knowledge and understanding of school-based MH services Stigma

Kognito’s At-Risk Simulation At-Risk Simulations: Web-based Practice talking with student avatars User tracking and assessment University Faculty Version: 50+ universities SPRC Best Practices National Assessment Study at 72 schools Training Simulations Families of Veterans 2011/Q1 University Students University Faculty High School Educators

Learning Objectives & Benefits 1.Recognize the common signs of psychological distress 2.Approach students with greater skill and confidence using motivational interviewing skills such as reflective statement and open-ended questions 3.Effectively refer students to the school counselor © 2010 Kognito Interactive. All Rights Reserved. Learning Objectives: Benefits: 1.Promote early intervention and reduce stigma 2.Increase teacher’s motivation to assume the role of gatekeepers 3.Reduce teacher’s anxiety about handling challenging conversations with students about their behavior 4.Support student retention and academic success

1.Assume the role of a high school teacher who is concerned about three of his students 2.Analyze profiles of the three virtual students 3.Engage in simulated conversations with each of student avatar to find whether they should be referred 4.Training is complete once the learner successfully talks and, if necessary, refers the students. The 1-hour training records user progress and so can be completed in multiple sittings. Learning Experience © 2010 Kognito Interactive. All Rights Reserved.

Step 1: The Classroom © 2010 Kognito Interactive. All Rights Reserved. Users assume the role of Shawn Lyons, a high school teacher, who is concerned about three of his students. Jackie Torres, a child psychologist, introduces the topic of gatekeeper training and provides the user with feedback throughout the training.

Symptoms exhibited by the students correlate to the most common and most severe psychological illnesses for this age group: © 2010 Kognito Interactive. All Rights Reserved.  Thoughts of Suicide  Depression  Alcohol & Substance Abuse  Anxiety  Cutting  Eating Disorder  Aggression  Social Phobia Step 2: Examine Student Profiles

Learners can click on a student for more information, such as (1) academics (grades, participation, attendance)… © 2010 Kognito Interactive. All Rights Reserved.

(2) any troubling behaviors Mr. Lyons has noticed … © 2010 Kognito Interactive. All Rights Reserved. Step 2: Examine Student Profiles

(3) any information about the student that Mr. Lyons gathered from others in the community: teachers, students or family members … © 2010 Kognito Interactive. All Rights Reserved. Step 2: Examine Student Profiles

(4) and the student’s physical appearance. After exploring the profiles, the learner decides which student to talk with first. © 2010 Kognito Interactive. All Rights Reserved. Step 2: Examine Student Profiles

Step 3: Talk to Students Users engage in conversations with emotionally responsive student avatars. Practice and learn to use open- ended questions, reflective listening and other motivational interviewing techniques to effectively: 1. Broach the topic of psychological distress 2. Motivate the student to seek help 3. Avoid common pitfalls such as attempting to diagnose the problem or giving unwarranted advice © 2010 Kognito Interactive. All Rights Reserved.

The learner controls the conversation by choosing what topic to brings up and what specific things to say. Learners receive instant feedback through the student’s verbal responses and body language … © 2010 Kognito Interactive. All Rights Reserved. Step 3: Talk to Students

… as well as encouragement and constructive criticism on their decisions from Jackie. Critical errors lead to immediate corrective feedback as well as the opportunity to undo and correct their decision. © 2010 Kognito Interactive. All Rights Reserved. Step 3: Talk to Students

Step 4: Summary Feedback Upon concluding each conversation, learners receive narrated and animated feedback that highlights important lessons and key strategies for identifying, approaching and referring at-risk students. © 2010 Kognito Interactive. All Rights Reserved.

1.Longitudinal Survey Study: - Changes in perception of, and motivation toward, becoming a gatekeeper - Changes in skills, knowledge and confidence to identify, approach and refer students in distress - Changes in behavior (number of students teachers identify, approach, and refer) - Overall satisfaction with the course 2.Usage and Completion Rates: - Number of users who launched and completed the training - User demographics (age, job role, experience, school/district location by zip code) Assessment Plan Pre-Survey Post-Survey 2-month Follow up Survey Assessment:

National Survey Study 72 universities, 1,200 participants, May – December 2009: 91% said they had at least one student in their class who concerned them © 2010 Kognito Interactive. All Rights Reserved.

Changes in Knowledge and Skill 89% reported they are better prepared to identify, approach and refer students in mental distress 83% reported they are more confident in their ability to help a suicidal student. National Survey Study © 2010 Kognito Interactive. All Rights Reserved.

Effectiveness of Instructional Approach 97% reported the simulated conversations were realistic representations of conversations they had with at-risk students. 96% would recommend At-Risk to their colleagues Download Complete Report at: National Survey Study © 2010 Kognito Interactive. All Rights Reserved.

Questions & Answers Jennifer Spiegler Director, Strategic Partnerships Kognito Interactive Tel: Demo: © 2010 Kognito Interactive. All Rights Reserved.