Victoria ISDโs Bend the Trend initiative is expanding to three elementary campuses: Chandler, Crain, and Shields Elementary Schools. The expansion will provide students and families with earlier, school-based mental and behavioral health supports.
Built on a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) framework, Bend the Trend brings together on-campus interventions, community partnerships, and family engagement to support the whole child.
โBend the Trend helps students build daily skills that lead to better behavior and stronger learning,โ said District MTSS Director Cindy Salinas. โBy making services available on the home campus, families get support where and when itโs needed.โ
Recent program data show meaningful improvement at a participating campus:
Students needing the most intensive support (Tier 3) decreased from 41% to 9%.
Students demonstrating strong, independent skills (Tier 1) increased from 31% to 44%.
The programโs approach was recently highlighted when Bend the Trend was invited by Gulf Bend Center to present at its annual Texas Council Conference for Mental Health, recognizing its early-intervention model and campus-based delivery. Through a partnership with Gulf Bend Center, families can access services at school, reducing barriers such as transportation, time constraints, and stigma. Through a partnership with Gulf Bend Center, families can access services at school, reducing barriers such as transportation, time constraints, and stigma.
What families can expect at participating campuses?
Individualized and small-group skill-building
Behavior coaching and classroom integration of social-emotional learning
Parent education opportunities
Collaborative problem-solving among educators, administrators, and community agencies
โExpanding Bend the Trend means more students can access support close to home,โ said Salinas. โOur focus is practical, consistent help that strengthens self-regulation and school success.โ
Parents with questions may contact their campus Social Emotional Behavior Support Specialist or school counselor for more information.