Date of Award
Spring 2026
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Education (EdD) in Educational Leadership
Department
Education
Committee Chair
Torsten A. Dryden, Ph.D., LPC-S, CEAP, ACS, NCC
Abstract
This dissertation explores the intersection of student mental health and academic success within a Title I school context, particularly the lived experiences of students navigating mental health challenges while facing psychological, social, and educational barriers. Drawing on qualitative data, the study explores how mental health challenges influence student academic performance, engagement, and overall educational outcomes. Chapter one introduces mental health as a prevalent concern for adolescence, and chapter two examines existing research and details the methodological approach and supporting frameworks for this study. Subsequent chapters are devoted to the lived experiences of students and their perception of support and resources available to them.
The findings reveal a need for a range of educational leadership practices, from comprehensive, student-centered models centered on relationship-building to policy implementation that supports student-centered intervention and support resources. The study identifies consistent themes emphasizing the importance of integrated support systems, proactive outreach, and culturally responsive care. All findings underscore the critical role of mental health in shaping student success and retention. Collectively, this research highlights mental health as a fundamental component of educational success, and centers educational leaders as agents of change within their environments.