The Capacities LEAs and SEAs Need to Improve their School Mental Health Programs with NCCSLE Technical Assistance Specialist Frank Rider (October 2023)

On this episode of “In Session,” we speak with Frank Rider, a seasoned Technical Assistance Specialist (TAS) at NCSSLE, about the capacities LEAs and SEAs need to improve their school mental health programs and systems. As he nears the end of his career, Frank draws from his vast experience in the field to share his experiences and lessons learned. Specifically, he discusses common characteristics of successful change initiatives, where to start and how to take it to the next level, advice for new grant managers, and more. Frank's episode is helpful for both new grantees (P2C3 and others) and those grantees who are nearing the end of their grants (MHSP 2019, P2C2, SBMH 2020, TR). This conversation is guided by NCSSLE’s Annie Knowles and Brianna Cunniff.  

Time Stamp 

Question / Topic Discussed 

0:45 

Welcome and introduction  

2:16 

Common characteristics of technical assistance (TA) recipients who have successfully facilitated change initiatives  

4:28 

Key characteristics of a compelling impetus for change  

6:00 

Recognizing the important phases of systems change for successful change initiatives  

7:45 

Primary advice for first time grant managers  

10:43 

Secondary piece of advice for new grant leaders  

14:06 

Lesson learned both personally and through work with successful initiatives  

17:29 

Suggestions for technical assistance providers aiming to support successful grant funded system change initiatives  

19:08 

Defining SAMHSA and GPRA  

20:34 

Challenges and questions for grant managers close to the end of the grant cycle 

24:10 

Taking an initiative to the “next level”  

27:21 

What Frank has learned from successful change agents through his TA work  

31:14 

Final takeaways and closing  

For all questions or feedback, you can email ncssle@air.org. Thanks for listening!

View Episode Transcript Here

Please note, the contents of this podcast do not necessarily represent the policy or views of the U.S. Department of Education, nor does it imply endorsement by the U.S. Department of Education

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