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Studies link positive school climate to teacher outcomes such as retention and student outcomes, including increased academic achievement and attendance, higher graduation rates, improved behavior. As a result, more schools and districts are collecting and using climate data to improve school environments and inform policy and practice.
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The science of learning and development reveals how to design high schools so that learners can thrive in environments that support individualized development; where they have strong, supportive relationships; and where their social, emotional, physical, and cognitive needs are met.
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New Mexico supports community schools statewide, including in Roswell, where a middle and high school have created a nourishing school climate and culture by providing culturally responsive and restorative spaces, opportunities for student voice and engagement, and a social safety net to address out-of-school learning barriers.
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This rural New Mexico district implemented the community schools strategy in 2021, emphasizing project-based learning, family and community engagement, and physical and mental wellness. Since then, attendance at school events has dramatically increased, chronic absenteeism has decreased, and the graduation rate has increased.
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Since adopting a community school strategy in 2018, Los Padillas Elementary School has seen improvements in school climate, chronic absenteeism, attendance, academic performance, teacher retention, and enrollment. Their approach centers on culturally relevant and community-connected learning.
Linda Darling-HammondMatt AlexanderLaura E. Hernández
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The traditional factory model of school does not prepare students for our modern global economy. To meet student needs, research points to 10 features for redesigning schools that foster deeper learning, stronger relationships, and equitable outcomes for students.
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Summer programs, whether focused on academic acceleration, enrichment, or career development, help support the whole child during the months when school isn’t in session. States play a key role and can take actions to strengthen and sustain summer programs, from empowering leaders and engaging coalitions to ensuring sustainable funding and equitable access.
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COVID-related federal recovery funds enabled many states to invest at unprecedented levels in summer learning programs, creating opportunities to learn from the initiatives developed during this funding window. Discover how three states implemented summer learning initiatives designed around academic acceleration, enrichment, and career development.
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While most school leaders manage countless priorities, William Smith High School explores what can happen when the focus is deliberately refined to the essentials, such as building community, exploring project-based learning, and integrating professional learning into the school’s culture.
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Attending relationship-centered schools can enhance students’ academic outcomes, motivation, and positive social behavior. This study shares the emerging impacts of two relationship-centered efforts to foster student learning and well-being in schools and districts, including approaches that allow students and adults to build trust and shared knowledge.
