Ohio schools can use state funds allocated through Revised Code Section 3317.26 to enhance educational programs and support teacher and student well-being. These funds support initiatives like social and emotional learning (SEL) and mindfulness, including Mind Body Align’s evidence-based solutions. 

Mindfulness is included because it is evidence-based and proven 

Data shows that mindfulness offers numerous benefits for educators and students, including:

• Improved Focus and Performance: Regular mindfulness practice helps develop better concentration, leading to enhanced performance and academic success.
• Reduced Stress and Anxiety: Mindfulness exercises provide tools to manage stress and anxiety, contributing to a healthier school environment and better test scores.
• Enhanced Social and Emotional Skills: Mindfulness complements SEL. A study published in the Journal of School Psychology found that school-based mindfulness training significantly improves social and emotional skills, and enhances overall well-being​​.

Here are a few ways you can mindfully leverage these funds:

• Teacher Training and Professional Development:
  • Offer comprehensive training for teachers to implement mindfulness in the classroom effectively​​.
  • Support personal mindfulness training for teachers to help manage stress and improve well-being
  • Provide professional development solutions that include strategies for incorporating mindfulness practices into daily classroom routines​​.
• Curriculum Development and Materials:
  • Develop and distribute curriculum materials that integrate mindfulness practices with educational content​​. Our Labyrinth Adventures curriculum does this for you.
  • Create lesson plans that include mindfulness exercises, guiding questions, and cross-curricular activities​​.
  • Provide access to mindfulness resources, such as guided practice recordings and mindfulness apps
• Implementation of Mindful Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Programs:
  • Fund Mindful SEL solutions that teach mindfulness practices, enhancing students’ self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making​​.
  • Provide tools and building blocks for daily mindfulness practices to improve life and learning for students and staff​​.
• Student Support and Well-being Programs:
  • Implement mindfulness-based interventions to promote students’ social and emotional health, reduce stress and anxiety, and enhance academic performance.
  • Establish programs that focus on mindfulness practices, such as mindful movement and breath exercises, to improve students’ focus, emotional regulation, and resilience​​.
• Parent and Community Engagement:
  • Organize workshops and informational sessions for parents and community members to understand and support mindfulness practices in education​​.
  • Provide resources and training for parents to practice mindfulness at home, reinforcing the skills learned at school. (included in our Labyrinth Adventures curriculum)

Aligning with Section 3317.26, Ohio schools can enhance educational experiences and support well-being through evidence-based mindfulness practices. Contact Mind Body Align today for information on our mindfulness solutions and take the first step towards a healthier, more mindful school environment.