Resource: Lesson 1 only, teachers may create subsequent lessons

Supplemental Materials, Teacher’s Aids: Google Drive Link

Developers: Three Block Model

The Brain Unit

From the book Ensouling Our Schools

‘The Brain Unit’, a module from 'Ensouling our Schools' by Dr. Jennifer Katz, embodies the Three-Block Model of UDL (Universal Design for Learning), promoting inclusivity in classrooms. While initially focused on social-emotional learning (SEL) and well-being, ‘The Brain Unit’ has demonstrated promising impacts on mental health literacy among primary and secondary students with developmental disabilities. Integrating principles of Mental Health Literacy and Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), it is designed to enhance aspects of resilience and Mental Health Literacy outcomes. The program, intended for in-classroom teacher-led implementation, offers supplemental materials, PowerPoint slides, and a curated collection of resources from educators who have utilized The Brain Unit.

Key Findings

The Brain Unit receives a rating of ‘3B’

The literature evaluating The Brain Unit reported statistically significant positive changes in Obtaining and Maintaining Positive Mental Health among students grades 3-12 with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), and Intellectual Disability (ID). Impacts on students’ mental health were measured by the variables self-concept, coping skills, and social support before, during, and after the intervention.

At this time, there are no long-term studies (up to, or beyond one year) evaluating The Brain Unit. It is unknown whether positive impacts will sustain beyond four months - the longest evaluation trial of The Brain Unit within the academic literature.

This intervention has been shown to have non-significant positive effects on the following key-pillars of Mental Health Literacy:

  • Knowledge
  • Help Seeking
  • Stigma
  • Obtaining & Maintaining Positive Mental Health
  • Recognition of Mental Disorders

Knowledge, Help Seeking, Obtaining & Maintaining Positive Mental Health, Recognition of Mental Disorders, Stigma, and Help Seeking were not quantitatively measured in the relevant literature. Thus we have no insight into this program’s efficacy with respect to these key pillars.

The full curriculum of ‘The Brain Unit’ is part of the book 'Ensouling Our Schools', which requires purchase. However, the teacher implementation guide is available for free through the 'Resources' link above. Teachers may need to create or find their own supplemental resources, as the 'Supplemental Materials' link directs to a Google Drive with materials from past implementations by other teachers. While there is notable support for implementation, the full quality and depth of the curriculum can only be assessed by purchasing 'Ensouling Our Schools'

The Brain Unit Rating: 3B

evalutation rating guide 3B

For more information on our scoring system, criteria, and outcomes for The Brain Unit, please see the Evaluation Process & Scoring page