|
The increased stress, mental health challenges, and inequities observed during the pandemic have reaffirmed the need to create safe, welcoming learning environments for students and educators. Well-designed teacher preparation for a whole-child approach is an important step toward meeting students’ needs and can overcome major hurdles such as teacher shortages.
|
A student’s performance under conditions of high support and low threat differs substantially from how they perform without such support or when feeling threatened. To create identity-safe classrooms where students can learn and thrive, schools can promote trust and interpersonal connection; create purposeful communities of care and consistency; use restorative practices to promote understanding, voice, and responsibility; and recognize diversity as an asset.
Lorea MartínezLaura E. HernándezMarisa SaundersLisa Flook
|
Social Justice Humanitas Academy is a teacher-led community school that advances student learning and development through its mission to support students on their journeys toward self-actualization, social justice, and postsecondary success. It maintains a supportive and inclusive learning environment, engages students in social and emotional development and student-centered pedagogical strategies, and provides access to integrated systems of supports.
|
Education should provide opportunities for every student to learn and thrive, but the current U.S. system often falls short. Research from the science of learning and development points to whole child education as a method to transform systems to provide high-quality learning for all students. The Whole Child Policy Toolkit can help state policymakers and education leaders advance whole child policy and support schools, districts, and communities to meet the needs of every child efficiently, effectively, and equitably.
Linda Darling-HammondLisa FlookAbby SchachnerSteve WojcikiewiczPamela CantorDavid Osher
|
Advances in neuroscience, developmental, and learning sciences shed light on the ways that teaching practice must transform to support the whole child and cognitively complex learning. How can educators be supported to make these shifts? Research sheds light on the content educators need to learn about children’s learning and development, as well as effective strategies to support educator learning and capacity.
|
Polarizing and inaccurate framing of social and emotional learning (SEL) has caused concern for some parents. The authors examine a Fordham survey that sheds light on why and discuss how to help parents understand that SEL and academics are inextricably connected and not an either/or choice.
|
A historic $3 billion investment in the California Community Schools Partnership Program provides an opportunity to transform schools into community hubs that deliver whole child education. Examining key elements of the new law, LPI and Opportunity Institute researchers lay out evidence-based principles of high-quality community schools implementation that are aligned with the science of learning and development and discuss the need for technical assistance.
|
Felicitas & Gonzalo Mendez High School, a community school located in East Los Angeles, provides its students with rigorous and engaging academics in a nurturing and inclusive environment. Driven by a shared commitment to educational justice and building strong, community-grounded partnerships, the school prioritizes student engagement and leadership, both on and off the campus.
|
The landscape of the 21st century and scientific advances have significant implications for how we organize schools and student learning experiences. This article elevates findings from the science of learning and development to articulate emerging knowledge about how young people develop and its concrete implications for schools can be effectively designed to optimize learning, success, and well-being.
Linda Darling-HammondPamela CantorLaura E. HernándezAbby SchachnerSara Plasencia Christina TheokasElizabeth Tijerina
|
Education aims to give every student opportunities to learn and thrive, but the outdated design of our schools contributes to widening inequalities. Science provides a clear path forward: students’ knowledge, skills, and well-being can be significantly influenced and improved by learning environments that use whole child design. Key design principles show how schools can utilize the science of learning and development to reshape systems, structures, and practices to improve student outcomes.
