Social–emotional and behavioral challenges

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

Overcoming the early childhood suspension & expulsion problem

Authors : Editorial Team

If preschool is designed to set a foundation of learning for children, expose them to structure, and build social, emotional and behaviors skills, then what is happening to produce these alarming rates?

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

How to boost wellness for high school students during distance learning

Authors : Maddie Cincebeaux

Spring 2020 school closures left teachers and district officials scrambling to restructure their classrooms with as few disruptions as possible. High school teachers faced the difficult task of trying to preserve their students’ motivation to finish strong and stay on track to graduate, despite the looming anxiety and uncertainty that students had about their futures. … Continue reading How to boost wellness for high school students during distance learning

A lifeline of support: Arkansas’s innovative program to help early childhood educators support young children

Authors : Samantha Peyton

Teaching preschool is simultaneously joyous and challenging. Students differ widely in their temperaments and their experience sharing space and resources with peers. Although many children adapt quickly to a group care environment, for others it can be challenging. Some early educators can access related professional development or external specialists that can help them better support … Continue reading A lifeline of support: Arkansas’s innovative program to help early childhood educators support young children

Student access to mental health information on California college campuses

Authors : Elaine Mulligan

Two surveys of California public college students provide insight into the preliminary impact of the California Mental Health Services Authority’s activities on college students’ receipt of information about mental health issues and support services. The research described in this report was funded by the California Mental Health Services Authority (CalMHSA) and conducted by RAND Health. … Continue reading Student access to mental health information on California college campuses

5 things educators can do virtually to support students experiencing trauma

Authors : Yunsoo Park , Jennifer Nakamura , Jenna Rush

In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, we adapted strategies from the “Common trauma symptoms in students and helpful strategies for educators” handout to help educators address student’s social-emotional and mental health needs associated with trauma in virtual settings.

Educating and speaking with children about racism

Authors : Yunsoo Park

Our Student Behavior Blog team at SRI Education is deeply heartbroken and outraged by the racism, brutality, and hatred that plague Black children, families, and individuals, not only with regard to recent events, but with recognition that these are pervasive issues they face in every moment of their lives. Consistent with our mission statement, we continue to strive to think about how we can conduct research, use data, and develop tools in meaningful ways that will reduce barriers and promote equity for students across our nation who continue to experience these longstanding injustices.

Maintaining wellness in crisis

Authors : Elaine Mulligan

Helping kids stay busy, stimulated, and positive while creating an environment that allows them to feel safe and protected can be challenging. A team of child trauma experts at Child Trends have listed several recommendations for supporting the emotional well-being of children during high stress periods. They highlight “3 R’s” for parents to use as … Continue reading Maintaining wellness in crisis

Maintaining wellness in crisis: Boosting children’s emotional health

Authors : Jennifer Nakamura , Maddie Cincebeaux

Measures taken to address the spread of COVID-19, from precautionary social distancing to shelter-in-place orders, have dramatically impacted children and their families. In addition to navigating their own stress during a period of uncertainty and change, parents are faced with addressing the questions and concerns of their children, many of whom are spending significant amounts … Continue reading Maintaining wellness in crisis: Boosting children’s emotional health