Student Well-Being & Special Education Blog

Frustrated teenage young woman female student with head in hands in hallway in school

eLuma’s 2025 State of Student Mental Health Report Calls for Sustainable, System-Wide Solutions in K–12 Schools

The Student Mental Health Crisis Isn’t Going Away. It’s Time to Act. For years, schools have worked tirelessly to respond to what many believed was a temporary mental health crisis tied to the isolation and upheaval of the pandemic. Educators and families hoped that as classrooms reopened and routines returned, students would regain their footing. But the latest data tells a different story. According to eLuma’s 2025 State of Student Mental Health Report, the crisis hasn’t eased in the five years since COVID-19 shut down schools nationwide. Nearly six in ten school-based providers say student mental health has worsened over the past year, while only four percent report improvement. Anxiety, depression, and behavioral challenges continue to rise, shaping students’ ability to learn, connect, and thrive. These findings make one thing clear: what we are facing is not a temporary setback. Schools are facing a long-term shift that demands immediate, coordinated, and sustained action. Among those who have witnessed this shift firsthand is Kay Kelly, Mental Health Clinical Services Specialist for eLuma and an experienced licensed school psychologist. Kay has worked in school-based mental health for over a decade, providing direct services, consultation, and leadership to support students’ mental health needs.

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eLuma Named a 2025 Top Workplace by the Salt Lake Tribune

Salt Lake City, UT – September 7, 2025 – eLuma has been named a 2025 Top Workplace by the Salt Lake Tribune. The recognition is based entirely on employee feedback gathered through a confidential survey conducted by Energage, LLC, a leader in employee engagement technology. The survey measured key elements of workplace culture, including whether employees feel respected, supported, empowered, and able to grow. These insights highlight the environment employees experience daily and reflect eLuma’s commitment to fostering a people-first culture. “Being recognized as a Top Workplace speaks to the way our team shows up for one another,” said Andy Myers, eLuma CEO. “It reflects our openness, collaboration, and commitment to making eLuma not just a place to work, but a place to thrive. While there is always more to do, we’re inspired by the momentum we’ve created together and grateful for this recognition.” “Earning a Top Workplaces award is a badge of honor for companies because it comes directly from their employees,” said Eric Rubino, Energage CEO. “In today’s competitive market, leaders must ensure employees have a voice and feel heard. Top Workplaces achieve this, and the benefits are clear.” eLuma is committed to fostering a supportive workplace where

IEP Goals for ADHD: SMART Strategies and Examples for K–12 Students

When a student with ADHD struggles to focus, stay organized, or regulate emotions, it can impact not only their academic progress but also the classroom as a whole. Educators want to help, but without a clear plan and measurable goals, even the most dedicated efforts can fall short. That’s where well-crafted ADHD IEP goals come in. These goals are part of an Individualized Education Program (IEP) that provides structure, direction, and support to help students with ADHD make meaningful progress. In this guide, you’ll learn how to write SMART goals tailored to ADHD, explore goal examples across grade levels, and see how teletherapy can play a vital role in helping students succeed. Key Takeaways ADHD IEP goals should be SMART: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound goals provide clarity and accountability for both students and educators. Executive function is a key focus: Many ADHD-related challenges stem from difficulties with organization, attention, impulse control, and emotional regulation. Goals should be tailored by age and need: Effective goals reflect each student’s developmental stage and present levels of performance. Collaboration is essential: Input from educators, families, and specialists helps ensure goals are practical and aligned with real classroom demands. Teletherapy can expand support:

Resource Mapping in Schools: How to Maximize Student Support with Limited Funding

Every school leader is asking the same question: How do we meet state standards and properly support staff and students when resources are scarce and funding is insufficient? Student behavioral and mental health needs are rising, special education teams are stretched thin, staff are overwhelmed, and budgets that once felt manageable are now under pressure. In the midst of these challenges, one often overlooked but incredibly valuable tool is gaining traction among forward-thinking districts: resource mapping. In this guide, you’ll learn what resource mapping is, why it matters now more than ever, and how it can help your district strengthen behavioral and mental health services, optimize special education services, and improve your tiered system of supports. What Is Resource Mapping? Resource mapping is the process of identifying, organizing, and evaluating all the programs, services, and supports available to students. It helps schools see what supports they already have, where the gaps are, and how to make smarter, more strategic decisions about using every available resource. It does not require new funding or programs. The process starts with understanding and organizing what is already in place, including general education, behavioral health, and special education services, and ensuring those supports are being