Hey folks, Ned here! This episode is a continuation of our eye-opening conversation with Dr. Stuart Slavin, a pediatrician, medical educator, and mental health advocate who's making waves in education reform. We dive deep into the hidden stressors in elite academic environments and explore what happens when you challenge the status quo.
In Part Two of our discussion, Stuart unpacks his groundbreaking research on high-performing high schools and reveals the sobering mental health statistics that too often go unnoticed. We also talk about real, practical solutions—from pass/fail grading to autonomy-supportive school cultures—that can drastically improve students' well-being without sacrificing academic outcomes. It's a powerful reminder that doing well and being well don't have to be at odds.
Episode Highlights:
[1:54] - Welcoming back Dr. Stuart Slavin and setting the stage for Part Two of our conversation.
[3:38] - Why it's "and," not "or": unpacking social media's role in student stress alongside deeper cultural forces.
[6:31] - Eye-opening survey data from 18 high schools revealing staggering rates of anxiety and depression.
[9:25] - Students define themselves by grades; extracurriculars are no longer fun—they're just more stress.
[11:19] - The "free day" pilot at SLU: one day off every other week led to better mental health and test scores.
[13:32] - How principles from positive psychology boosted connection, meaning, and performance.
[16:33] - Letting go of false incentives: moving from extrinsic to intrinsic motivation through pass/fail reforms.
[17:53] - Challenges schools face in shifting culture and making bold changes.
[20:06] - Stuart's upcoming parenting book: offering families a saner, science-based path to raising healthy kids.
[22:56] - It's not just the kids: how we're all part of the system that's failing them.
[25:49] - Schools must redefine what makes them "good": test scores or student wellness?
[29:22] - Practical mental health tools: meditation, breathing, and cognitive restructuring.
[33:41] - Real-life stories from students who found unexpected joy outside the Ivy League.
[35:26] - The dangers of rigid, narrow goals and the power of reframing.
[37:21] - Autonomy, connection, competence: how self-determination theory explains what students need.
[41:09] - Schools can change—if they have the courage. The research is clear, the model is ready.
[42:33] - A challenge to school leaders: want to try this? We’re in. Let’s make it happen.
Links & Resources:
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