PEORIA, Ill. – Officials with Peoria Public Schools say their partnership with Cartwheel has proven effective in reducing absenteeism.
Prior to their partnership with Cartwheel to expand student mental health access, officials say the district was facing challenges familiar to urban districts across the country: rising absenteeism, frequent behavioral incidents, months-long waitlists for mental health care, and school staff that were overwhelmed by daily crises.
New data shows students who received Cartwheel services saw a 62 percent reduction in absences —down from an average of 16 days absent to 6.
In addition, suspensions fell by 68 percent, and nearly 90 percent of students who received care saw a measurable reduction in depression and anxiety symptoms.
PPS says the care services will continue throughout the summer.
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