About this episode
I welcome back Deb Fillman to delve into the complex intersection of education and mental health services in schools. We explore the growing trend of universal mental health screenings and the implications they have for students, teachers, and parents. Deb shares her concerns about how these programs often blur the lines between education and therapy, placing undue burdens on teachers and potentially mislabeling normal childhood behaviors as mental health issues.We discuss the shift from diagnosing conditions like ADHD to a broader pathologization of student behavior, raising critical questions about the effectiveness and necessity of these mental health initiatives. Are we truly addressing the needs of vulnerable students, or are we creating a culture of over-diagnosis and dependency on medication?Additionally, we examine the ethical considerations surrounding consent and privacy in school settings, particularly when it comes to sensitive topics like mental health. As we navigate these pressing issues, we aim to empower parents to think critically about the resources available to their children and to advocate for more meaningful educational experiences. Join us as we unpack these vital topics and consider the future of mental health in education.Deborah Fillman is the founder of The Reason We Learn, a YouTube channel and Substack publication dedicated to exposing what’s happening in education and empowering parents to think clearly, ask better questions, and take charge of their children’s learning.A longtime homeschooling mother of three—two now adults and one finishing high school—Deborah combines personal experience with deep research to help parents cut through the noise of educational jargon, political agendas, and the steady erosion of academic standards. She’s known for her clear, principled commentary and her commitment to parental authority in education.In addition to her work online, Deborah is a private tutor and enrichment instructor with Cogito Learning Center, where she teaches logic, writing, and literature to students from across the country. She also advises families seeking alternatives to the conventional curriculum, helping them identify high-quality resources that challenge students intellectually and support their growth in character, independence, and critical thinking.Whether through video, writing, or direct instruction, Deborah’s mission is the same: to restore clarity, courage, and common sense to the conversation about how—and why—we educate.cogitolearningcenter.com - Summer session starts July 6. Registration now open and space is limited. 00:00 Start[00:01:15] Me
