Research shows that we all have implicit biases. Neuroscientists have found that our brains tend to quickly categorize others as a way to identify threats. These categorizations are often based on institutional race or gender stereotypes that we have been exposed to from a young age. Different than stereotypes or racism, implicit bias is [...]
Today, more than ever, classrooms in the United States are full of English language learners (ELLs). In fact, about one in 10 students consider English as their second language. ELL and immigrant students have unique learning needs. Many are unfamiliar with U.S. cultural norms and learning a new language can be difficult. These students often [...]
Our classrooms are more diverse than ever before, and the ways we teach students are changing. A sweeping effort is being made to deliver a high-quality education to all students regardless of factors like race, ethnicity, income, disability, or learning styles. As we embrace the goal of equity and helping all students achieve, we must [...]
Traumatic events — mass shootings, environmental disasters, reports of neglect and abuse — constantly make top news headlines these days. Many students across our nation are affected by trauma every day. This trauma can have deep and lasting impacts on students’ core beliefs about others, their environment, and themselves. Now more than ever, schools must [...]
Research shows that students of color (especially African-American students) receive significantly higher rates of disciplinary action: more office referrals, more suspensions, and more expulsions. Disciplinary action can have lasting effects on students and may impact their future education, employment, and income. As educators, it is important to implement equitable practices in our schools and communities [...]
SEL in Practice: Resolving Conflicts through Restorative Justice Sometimes, good intentions can work against you. Research shows that when punitive practices such as expulsion and suspension are used too frequently, schools/programs are actually less safe, have lower academic achievement and face increased dropout rates. For these reasons, organizations are moving away from punitive forms of [...]
What causes bullying in schools? Research suggests that teens bully when they have insufficient self-confidence, social acceptance, respect, and/or feelings of insecurity. Schools continuously work to reduce bullying, but unfortunately there are no fast or easy solutions. In the spirit of Bullying Prevention Month, learn more about why students resort to bullying and how social [...]
Under the new Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), states must establish accountability systems that measure student success or school quality. How to measure these is up to individual states, and many are zeroing in on chronic absenteeism. Districts have long used attendance rates as a metric for measuring early warning and student performance. Yet, chronic [...]
