Blog

Missing the mark or moving the needle? Reflections on how to center equity in research

Authors : Elisa Garcia , Lauren Jackson

Issues of race are deeply ingrained in every facet of our history and society. As researchers, we strive to promote children’s development and opportunities to succeed both in and out of school, but our work is not immune from a legacy of racism.

What a long, strange trip it’s been

Authors : Editorial Team

Going back to the classroom this year will be tough. That’s why we’re focusing on bringing you resources to help with recovery from all sorts of trauma.

Reflecting on a year of distance learning as teachers plan for school reopening

Authors : Maddie Cincebeaux , Kirby Chow

After over a full year of school closures, several teachers and school administrators are busy preparing for the long-awaited return to in-person classes this fall. But while worries of student learning-loss, momentum, and social-emotional well-being remain at the forefront of parent and school administrators’ concerns, the significant impact that this past year had on teachers cannot be overlooked.

Free professional development opportunity: how to support students and educators dealing with trauma

Authors : Elaine Mulligan , Maddie Cincebeaux

Join us and REL Appalachia on August 16-17, 11:00am – 4:00pm EDT. Between the ongoing opioid crisis and all of the ways that the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted students and families, educators’ number one learning need for the 2021-2022 school year is supporting students experiencing trauma

Social-Emotional Learning Program Study: Tools for Getting Along

Authors : Jennifer Nakamura , Carl Sumi , Michelle Woodbridge

After a turbulent 2020-2021 school year, it is more important than ever that educators have feasible and effective options to support students’ foundational social-emotional skills. Prior studies have found that students who participate in social-emotional learning (SEL) programs improve their behavioral and academic functioning and reduce their challenging behaviors.1 When selecting an SEL program, educators … Continue reading Social-Emotional Learning Program Study: Tools for Getting Along

How a researcher learns from practice

Authors : Michelle Woodbridge

We know that research informs practice in education, but how does practice inform research? Dr. Michelle Woodbridge, one of our lead researchers, recently attended a webinar on supporting students impacted by racial stress and trauma. In our latest blog post, she shares her response to that learning experience (spoiler alert – it was intense!) and her commitment to practice being a better researcher.

How early childhood education providers can use COVID-19 relief funds to establish lasting mental health supports for staff and children

Authors : Kirby Chow , Jennifer Nakamura , Todd Grindal

Did you know? The recent influx of federal COVID-19 relief funds provides an opportunity to fund early childhood educational mental health supports and services!
State agency leaders and early childhood educators can use infant and early childhood mental health consultation (IECMHC) to meet children’s social and emotional needs during and beyond the pandemic.

Strategies for engaging students in in-person, virtual, and hybrid instruction

Authors : Jennifer Nakamura , Terry Scott

As schools begin a post-pandemic transition, educators should consider how to strengthen the social, emotional, and behavioral supports for students. Three foundational components are important to keep at the forefront of efforts to support students, regardless of the learning environment…

Celebrating how school social workers can help students Bounce Back even in virtual settings

Authors : Sara Gracely , Lauren Jackson

We celebrated National School Social Worker week from March 7 – March 13, 2021 as part of Social Work Month. This school year provided unique challenges for school social workers (SSWs) as well as opportunities for innovation.

Special educator reflections on distance learning during COVID-19

Authors : Melanie Chong , Samantha Peyton

Due to COVID-19, educators have been tasked with finding new ways to continue teaching their students virtually with little time to prepare. In particular, since the start of the school closures, federal requirements for (IEP) compliance have changed