Signed by Governor Jay Inslee

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that requires schools address secondary trauma of K-12 employees and create support services.

Highlights:

• Requires the office of the superintendent to publish on its website links to resources, self-assessments, organizations and practices for educators and local policymakers to prevent and address secondary traumatic stress in the workforce (Sec. 2).

• Requires the Washington State School Directors’ association to develop or revise, and periodically update, a model policy and procedure to prevent and address secondary traumatic stress in the workforce that includes the following (Sec. 3):

• A commitment to support mental health in the workplace;

• Promotion of a positive workplace climate with a focus on diversity and inclusion;

• Establishment of a district-wide workforce mental health committee with the following functions:

• Share secondary traumatic stress, stress management, and other mental health resources and supports available through the office of the superintendent of public instruction, the educational service districts, and the school employees' benefits board 

•  Share links to a secondary traumatic stress self-assessments tool and any associated resources; and

• Report to the school district board of directors at least once per year with a summary of committee activities;

• Regular assessment of district-level and school building-level implementation of the policy and procedures that includes input from the workforce; and

• Provision of appropriate resources and training to schools and staff for continuous improvement.

Full Bill Text