Read and share Why Schools Need to Normalize and Prioritize Students’ Mental Health, an article from Teach for America, for insights into mental health for students from low-income households and guidance on how educational leaders can better address their needs at the school and district level.
Educating the Whole Child: Improving School Climate to Support Student Success
Incorporate elements of identify-safe learning experiences that promote student achievement and attachment to school. To learn more about these practices, download Educating the whole child: Improving school climate to support student success, by Linda Darling-Hammond and Channa Cook-Harvey
Healing, Community, and Humanity: How Students and Teachers Want to Reinvent Schools Post-COVID
Access Healing, Community, and Humanity: How students and Teachers Want to Reinvent Schools Post-COVID from Teaching Systems Lab. It provides a toolkit (pages 23-30) and guidance on how to implement four reflection protocols with your school communities.
Back to School
Maximize opportunities and resources provided by the USDA, including new flexibilities allowed to meet school needs. • Access the Interactive Food Buying Guide • Watch this video on the School Nutrition and Cost Study • Download Offer versus Serve materials
7 Things Teachers Say to Create a Supportive Classroom
Read this Edutopia article for language ideas and inspiration. The author combed through teacher comments and articles by experienced educators to identify phrases that empower learners and create a supportive environment.
School Climate Improvements
For concrete steps for leading a successful effort, download The Reference Manual on School Climate Improvements from The National Center on Safe and Supportive Learning Environments. Page 7 offers instructions on how to use the manual
Parent and Educator Guide to School Climate Resources
Download the Department of Education’s Parent and Educator Guide to School Climate Resources to plan and navigate a successful school climate improvement effort. It provides general information about the concept of school climate improvement, suggestions for leading an effective effort and helpful additional resources.
A blueprint for integrating social and emotional well-being and academic excellence in schools
Access this blueprint from WestEd to create a continuous improvement cycle rooted in equity. The blueprint is founded on the belief that all students can succeed when learning is supported by equitable systems that leverage an asset-based approach that values diversity, rather than characterizing students and families by what they may need or lack.
Integrating Social and Emotional Learning throughout the School System: A Compendium of Resources for District Leaders
For evidence based SEL supports appropriate for both district and school leaders, download this guide by the Center to Improve Social and Emotional Learning and School Safety at WestEd. It provides resources that are fully integrated into the educational experiences of students, families, staff and the community.
6 Steps to Appeal your Financial Aid
Many families have experienced significant income changes in the pandemic, and this tool helps families appeal financial aid packages.