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Student Wellbeing
Topic

Social and Emotional Learning

Social and emotional learning occurs when teachers and school staff help students develop the interpersonal skills they need to succeed in school and work. This skill-building happens in the course of everyday instruction, when teachers pause to encourage students to pose a question in a more respectful tone, imagine how others feel, take a deep breath to calm themselves down, break a goal into manageable pieces and more. Social and emotional self-management is thought to set the stage for productive, cooperative learning.
Teacher Voices
September 1, 2020

School communities can help prevent and address student mental health problems

We need support systems in place now, not after mental health incidents begin to surface and escalate.

Sergio Narez
Commentary
August 2, 2020

To overcome the stress of this pandemic, educators must lead with relationships, routines and resilience

It is no exaggeration to say the past five months have been horrible. Students will need extra support when they return to school.

Katie Brackenridge
Teacher Voices
July 24, 2020

Cultural proficiency for teachers can no longer be an option

Teachers must learn to embrace diversity and recognize that cultural differences are assets, not barriers.

Tamra Simpson
Commentary
July 17, 2020

As schools go to distance learning, key strategies to prevent learning loss 

California Collaborative for Educational Excellence director offers suggestions for how districts can prioritize and address students' emotional and learning needs.

Tom Armelino
Commentary
July 13, 2020

7 things teachers can do to address student trauma – especially during distance learning

Trauma-informed approach to learning will make return to school more successful for students and teachers.

Caprice Young
Coronavirus
July 10, 2020

Spike in coronavirus cases means some schools won’t open at all this fall

As coronavirus cases spike across California more school districts are making the decision to educate students online next school year.

Diana Lambert, Michael Burke, And Ali Tadayon
Teacher Voices
July 7, 2020

We must bend rules (and make new ones) for emotional health

Teachers realize there is more to distance learning than keeping the children’s study skills fresh, and adapt their classes to meet the need.

Thomas Courtney
Math and Science
July 6, 2020

California districts attempt to revive outdoor education programs slashed during the pandemic

In California, leaders of 37% of outdoor education programs said they will remain closed due to lack of financing after the coronavirus pandemic.

Sydney Johnson
Digital Divide
June 26, 2020

Long road ahead to close California’s digital divide in education before new school year begins

About 56,700 laptops and 94,000 hotspots have been sent to districts across the state so far.

Sydney Johnson
Commentary
June 8, 2020

Educators must address the trauma students have endured these past weeks

As schools prepare for the upcoming academic year, mental health must be a primary planning focus.

Debra Duardo
Student Wellbeing
June 5, 2020

California schools chief launches campaign against racial bias

The superintendent of public instruction announced he is launching a training initiative to help end systematic racism in schools.

Diana Lambert
Student Wellbeing
May 29, 2020

School district leaders from around the U.S. rethink education, emphasize online learning

Pandemic exposed the digital divide and the needs of students in crisis, leaders said, adding that more teacher training is also necessary.

Theresa Harrington
Commentary
May 29, 2020

To reopen safely and responsibly, schools need their afterschool partners

Expanded learning programs provide essential support and child care to families throughout the state.

Paul Gothold & Jennifer Peck
Coronavirus
April 28, 2020

Parents struggle to find resources, fit into new role as their children’s teacher

Parents are juggling the responsibility of being their children's teacher with their jobs and other obligations during the coronavirus pandemic.

Diana Lambert
Coronavirus
April 10, 2020

With students at home, “spring break” has very different meaning during coronavirus epidemic

Students and teachers are on break at the same time districts trying to ramp up ambitious “distance learning” programs.

Louis Freedberg