School-based supports and systems

Promises and Pitfalls of PBIS Part 3: Strategies for educators to reduce implicit bias when responding to challenging behaviors

Authors : Jennifer Nakamura , Elisa Garcia , Daniel Cohen , Kirby Chow

We highlight strategies educators can use to reduce implicit bias when responding to challenging behaviors, which is one of the five key components to reduce disproportionality in school discipline when implementing a PBIS approach.

Partner Blog Post: College and Career Pathways Measuring School Climate

Authors : Editorial Team

The well-established connection between positive school climate and student success means that educators need to know how the climate at their school is faring. This information is particularly important now, after the prolonged disruptions in schooling from the COVID-19 pandemic. Getting and using feedback from students themselves about their school experiences is key to understanding school climate. But how do school and district leaders know which measures to use?

Promises and Pitfalls of PBIS Part 2: Engaging Students and Families in Equity-Focused PBIS

Authors : Jennifer Nakamura , Elisa Garcia , Kirby Chow

In this second post in this series, we will discuss how to elevate the voices of students and families – one aspect of implementing a positive behavior framework that is preventive, multi-tiered, and culturally responsive.

Promises and pitfalls of PBIS Part 1: Importance of an equity-centered approach

Authors : Elisa Garcia , Kirby Chow , Jennifer Nakamura

Students who are Black, Latinx, and Native American are more likely than White students to be suspended or expelled – even when comparing consequences for the same infractions.

Effectiveness of Tools for Getting Along: Teaching Students Problem-Solving Skills

Authors : Carl Sumi , Jennifer Nakamura

(NASP 2022) This presentation described results from an effectiveness study of the Tools for (NASP 2022) Getting Along (TFGA) social problem-solving program. Findings show robust positive effects of TFGA on social–emotional and behavioral outcomes of Grade 4 students in geographically and demographically diverse areas.

Practice-Based Coaching on the Pyramid Model: “It builds you up and finds your strengths”

Authors : Maddie Cincebeaux , Erika Gaylor

SRI Education researchers are conducting an evaluation of the Pyramid Model, a three-tiered framework that supports early childhood education (ECE) teachers in preschool classrooms. The main goals of the Pyramid Model are to support ECE teachers as key figures in promoting the social-emotional skills and competence of children with and without disabilities so that all children can learn, develop, and grow in a positive and safe environment.

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

Toolkit for talking about racism and police violence with students

Authors : Elaine Mulligan

What strategies can educators use to facilitate safe and meaningful discussions on race, racial (in)justice and racism? This toolkit from Learning for Justice (formerly Teaching Tolerance) offers specific strategies, as well as tips for managing student responses, in order to create a safe environment for difficult conversations. https://www.learningforjustice.org/magazine/spring-2015/toolkit-for-talking-about-racism-and-police-violence-with-students

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…

Strategies for communicating effectively with students across learning environments

Authors : Lauren Jackson , Jennifer Nakamura

This school year has presented many uncertainties for teachers as they continue to navigate virtual, hybrid, and in-person learning environments. Using clear and positive communication can build trusting and supportive teacher-student relationships, especially with students who experience behavioral challenges. But what exactly does effective educator-student communication look like, particularly in a virtual space? Below, we … Continue reading Strategies for communicating effectively with students across learning environments