Policy Analysis for California Education and CORE, an organization representing eight urban school districts in California, released a new practice brief highlighting lessons learned on implementing social and emotional learning programs from the CORE districts.
With an increased appreciation of students’ social-emotional skills among researchers and policy makers, many states and school districts are moving toward a systematic process to measure Social-Emotional Learning (SEL). In this study, we examine the measurement properties of California's CORE...
One in 4 California school districts received notice that they must work with county offices of education or with a new state agency to improve the education of at least one of their student groups that were ranked among the...
High school seniors around the country are feeling apathetic toward their classes during their final semester, which often carries over and negatively affects their freshman year of college. The epidemic, commonly known as “senioritis,” is the topic of a recent...
California has embraced Social Emotional Learning (SEL) as a crucial aspect of education, integrating emotional management, positive goal setting, empathy, and relationship skills into academic success. This commitment is evident in the state's adoption of SEL components in its educational standards and accountability systems. However, while the state is implementing surveys to gauge school climate, it's yet to fully understand how these relate to academic progress or link social-emotional learning to overall school improvement. The CORE districts have taken strides by measuring specific competencies like self-management and growth mindset, finding that these skills predict student performance at different academic levels. Yet, educators need guidance on using this data for improvement. PACE is studying the CORE districts' innovative accountability system to pinpoint successful policies and practices regarding SEL, aiming to reduce disparities among student sub-groups. Understanding how learning environments foster SEL can inform efforts to improve education across California and potentially nationally. Moving forward, California needs to focus on developing educators' capacity to utilize SEL data effectively and invest in integrating SEL in both school-day and expanded learning environments for continuous improvement.
When we think of school we too often picture rows of students sitting quietly at their desks, listening to the teacher or reading a textbook. This familiar image of a quiet classroom and docile students is and should be increasingly...
When we think of school we too often picture rows of students sitting quietly at their desks, listening to the teacher or reading a textbook. This familiar image of a quiet classroom and docile students is and should be increasingly...
A new study challenges the prevailing belief that improving school climate and reducing violence directly lead to enhanced academic performance. Analyzing data from California schools over time, it suggests a different causal relationship: improved academic performance appears to drive reduced violence and a better school climate, rather than the reverse. These findings underscore the importance of integrating social-emotional, climate, and violence reduction programs into broader academic reforms rather than treating them as separate entities. The study highlights the necessity of further research in diverse settings using both quantitative and qualitative methods to understand this causal process thoroughly. It emphasizes that schools striving for academic improvement should consider addressing issues of climate and victimization as part of their academic reform efforts, highlighting the potential positive impact on teacher-student relationships. Additionally, the study proposes integrating measures of climate, violence, and academics within state accountability systems, aligning with the Every Student Succeeds Act, to support school improvement initiatives. Such an integrated approach, the study argues, will not only enhance academic outcomes but also ensure student safety, support well-being, and foster positive behaviors.
As students transition through school—from the elementary to secondary grades, even from school to school—they often become uncertain about their sense of belonging. And that uncertainty can, in turn, translate to poorer cognitive skills and declining gains.
Evidence confirms that student skills other than academic achievement and ability predict a broad range of academic and life outcomes. This evidence, along with a new federal requirement that state accountability systems include an indicator of school quality or student...
For more than a decade, LGBTQ students have faced significant challenges in schools, enduring bullying and feeling unsafe, affecting their academic and mental well-being. California's groundbreaking law, AB-537, passed over 15 years ago, marked a pivotal moment, establishing comprehensive protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) in education. In response, schools implemented inclusive measures such as teacher training, diverse curriculum, and support groups like gay-straight alliances (GSAs). While earlier studies focused on student perspectives, a recent study analyzes statewide data from over 3,700 teachers and nearly 100 principals in California. The findings reveal that schools emphasizing SOGI-inclusive policies experience reduced bullying, particularly in environments perceived as less safe by teachers, highlighting the significance of these policies in creating safer school climates. This research underscores the importance of combining and accessing varied data sources to gain a comprehensive understanding of school environments, ultimately shifting the focus from individual students to systemic approaches for creating inclusive and safe school environments for all students.
In recent years, interest has grown in school-based interventions targeting executive function to boost academic success. Executive function, crucial for goal-oriented behavior in academics, has shown correlations with weaker academic performance, notably in reading and math. However, uncertainties persist regarding a direct causal relationship. A comprehensive review of 67 studies revealed a moderate link between executive function and academic success, especially in K–12 reading and math. Yet, when accounting for background factors like socioeconomic status or parental education, only a few connections remained robust, suggesting a less straightforward association. While interventions displayed potential in enhancing executive function, they lacked substantial evidence directly connecting these improvements to academic progress. More thorough research is crucial to definitively establish whether enhancing executive function translates into improved academic performance before implementing widespread school programs.
When we think of elementary and secondary schools, many of us picture students in classrooms taught by lone teachers, overseen by a principal. In reality, many adults work in schools other than teachers and principals. It may be surprising to...
A new study delves into racial and ethnic disparities in academic achievement within California middle schools and their correlation with school climate, a concept encompassing safety, relationships, and participation opportunities. Analyzing data from the California School Climate, Health, and Learning Survey (Cal-SCHLS) across 754 middle schools, the research focuses on Black-White and Hispanic-White racial climate gaps. It identifies differences in students' perceptions of safety, relationships, and participation based on race within the same schools. Notably, Black students reported lower levels of safety and relationships compared to White peers, while Hispanic students experienced lower safety, relationships, and participation opportunities than their White counterparts. The study also links larger racial achievement gaps to corresponding disparities in perceived safety, relationships, and participation. It emphasizes the importance of considering subgroup-specific climates instead of a general school-level assessment. Particularly relevant for California's education system, which integrates school climate measures into its accountability systems, the study highlights the need for targeted action plans addressing diverse subgroup experiences to promote educational equity.
Researchers explore the correlation between classroom physical activity breaks and children meeting recommended daily activity levels, along with their classroom behavior. In California, where Physical Education (PE) is mandated every 10 days, but not daily, some schools incorporated 10-minute physical activity breaks within classrooms. Across 24 elementary schools in six districts, 70% of teachers attempted these breaks, with 44% regularly implementing them, averaging 15 minutes daily. Students in classrooms with these breaks were 75% more likely to meet the 30-minute daily activity goal and exhibited improved classroom behavior—less lack of effort, motivation, or inattention. Notably, only a third received mandated PE minutes, making classroom activity crucial. The findings suggest that evidence-based classroom physical activity breaks offer promise in ensuring adequate physical activity during school hours and positively impacting student behavior. Enforcing mandated PE minutes alongside classroom breaks could optimize physical activity opportunities for students.
The Head Start program, established in 1965, aims to enhance the school readiness of low-income children by providing comprehensive services, including education, health, and family support. This approach targets children’s cognitive and socio-emotional development, health, and family well-being. Researchers using the Head Start Impact Study (HSIS) examined if the program effectively supports at-risk children. By creating risk factors based on the program model, they aimed to determine if Head Start benefits children with higher risk profiles. Results showed a mix of outcomes: while there was no significant improvement in high-risk children’s pre-academic skills, teacher-reported behavior problems were slightly reduced, contrasting with maternal-reported behavior problems, which increased. This suggests Head Start might better address behavioral aspects than pre-academic readiness. The study highlighted the need for better tailoring services to high-risk children, especially in cognitive development, indicating the importance of ongoing research to enhance Head Start's responsiveness to individual needs for better outcomes in school readiness.
Schools face the dual responsibility of educating children and providing health services to over a million students in California with special health care needs (SHCN). These students are at higher risk of academic struggles and absenteeism. However, schools often lack awareness of these students’ conditions, neglecting their unique health needs. The absence of specific regulations leaves decisions about health services and staffing to individual districts. Alarmingly, 57% of districts in 2013 had no school nurses, while those with nurses had ratios far exceeding recommended levels. In the absence of nurses, unlicensed staff handle critical health procedures. The lack of state guidance and dedicated funding exacerbates these challenges. To address this, California should mandate systematic identification and care for students with SHCN, track health emergencies, monitor attendance and educational outcomes, and ensure standardized training for all staff delivering health services. These steps could safeguard the health and academic success of all students, aligning with the proven link between health and academic performance.
Test-based accountability has become standard in education, with 16 states and the District of Columbia mandating the retention of third-grade students falling below reading benchmarks. Grade retention has been debated for years; supporters argue it boosts future achievement, while critics highlight its emotional toll. In “Hold Back to Move Forward? Early Grade Retention and Student Misbehavior,” I delve into an often-overlooked aspect: the impact of retention on disruptive behavior. Determining causality in retention policies is complex, as decisions aren’t random but based on unobservable student traits. To tackle this, I leverage Florida’s policy, analyzing students just below and above the promotion cutoff in a regression framework. A new study reveals short-term effects of retention on increased misbehavior, rising by 40% in the two years post-retention, predominantly among economically disadvantaged and male students. However, these effects fade after three years. Despite short-term academic gains, retention bears the cost of escalated misbehavior. These findings prompt a reevaluation of test-based retention policies that offer instructional support, like California’s, weighing their benefits against the behavioral implications.
A new study investigated how bullied and victimized students utilize School Health Centers (SHCs) in California. They found that these students were more likely to access SHC services compared to non-bullied peers, indicating the significance of SHCs in identifying and supporting affected youth. Analyzing data from over 2,000 high school students across 14 urban public schools with health centers, several trends emerged. SHC usage was common across various ethnic groups, with a higher tendency among victimized students. Despite this, concerns about confidentiality hindered some bullied students from accessing SHC services. The study emphasizes the pivotal role of SHCs in tackling bullying through preventive measures, early detection, and intervention strategies. These centers are well-placed to partner with schools and communities, conduct screenings, and offer a range of support services, including mental health counseling. However, to address remaining confidentiality issues, SHCs must clearly communicate the confidentiality of health information. Resources from California SHC organizations and local adolescent groups can assist in making SHCs more accessible to vulnerable youth.
In the United States, adolescent suicide rates are concerning, with over 15% considering suicide and 7.8% attempting it. Military-connected youth, with a parent in the military, exhibit higher rates of suicidal behavior compared to their non-military peers. A new study using survey data the California Healthy Kids Survey (CHKS) revealed that these youth have increased odds of suicidal thoughts, planning, and attempts, even needing medical treatment for such attempts. Factors like frequent relocations and parental deployments contribute to their heightened risk, compounded by typical adolescent stressors. This calls for better identification and support for military-connected adolescents by healthcare providers, educators, and mental health professionals. Awareness of their unique challenges, including deployments and relocations, is crucial for tailored prevention and intervention strategies. Given California's high number of active military installations, targeted programs for these youth, addressing all aspects of suicidality, are particularly vital.
School health programs play a critical role in student well-being and academic success, yet many California districts have reduced funding for health staff, counselors, and physical education. A study examining four Silicon Valley school districts found that district-level wellness coordinators—newly created positions under a regional health initiative—improved the coordination and impact of school wellness programs.Using the Coordinated School Health (CSH) model, researchers conducted over 100 interviews and focus groups in eight schools to assess the role of wellness coordinators in integrating health initiatives. Findings suggest that wellness coordinators raise awareness among teachers and staff, exposing them to health messaging and equipping them with resources to support student wellness. They also embed health education into school culture, ensuring wellness programs are incorporated across curricula, grade levels, and schools for consistent and equitable delivery. Additionally, wellness coordinators help districts maximize limited resources, streamlining efforts, preventing duplication, and fostering community partnerships to expand services.The study highlights the value of district wellness coordinators in advancing CSH goals and suggests that school districts with limited resources may benefit from investing in this role to enhance student health and learning outcomes.
Enrichment programs, such as arts education, often face cuts in K–12 schools where language arts and math take precedence due to standardized testing. Despite this, evidence supports the long-term benefits of the arts on college access, academics, and civic engagement. Integrating arts into school curricula is seen as a solution, yet there is limited research on its widespread implementation. Inner-City Arts collaborates with LAUSD through Learning and Achieving Through the Arts (LATA), where teachers learn various art forms alongside students, supported by professional development linking arts experiences with literacy. LATA aims to enhance English language skills, especially for marginalized groups like English Language Learners (ELLs), by promoting arts-based learning, teacher training, and teacher-artist collaborations for innovative lesson plans. A study comparing LATA-integrated schools with standalone arts instruction revealed significant gains in standardized English Language Arts (ELA) proficiency, particularly among ELL students, emphasizing the vital role of arts integration in academic achievement. Policymakers and investors interested in educational reform should prioritize integrated arts models and teacher development, as demonstrated by the LATA approach, which offers a holistic pathway to improve academics applicable in diverse urban districts.
Government initiatives aim to enhance walking and cycling to school, prioritizing safety through programs like Safe Routes to School (SRTS). While SRTS effectively improves public health by encouraging physical activity and reducing injuries, few studies address the potential savings in student transportation costs for districts and families. Schools spend billions on student transportation, and hazardous walking conditions often necessitate busing short distances, known as hazard busing, adding costs without resolving safety issues. This study highlights that investing in engineering improvements to enhance safety near schools could reduce long-term busing expenses. Real-world examples, like Austin's pedestrian bridge, demonstrate substantial savings after eliminating the need for busing. The collaboration between cities, schools, and parents is crucial to prioritize safety improvements. However, this shift requires alignment among different agencies, revisions in reimbursement formulas, and community involvement to ensure successful transition and utilization of safer infrastructure by families, preventing the burden of transportation costs from simply shifting to them.
The persistence of high school dropout rates, especially among low-income and minority students, remains a concern despite recent declines. Targeting student engagement as a key prevention method, studies examine whether in-school arts participation can reduce dropouts. Research based on Texas high school data suggests that students engaged in arts courses face a lower dropout risk. However, caution is necessary as this correlation doesn't confirm causation. Factors like student background and unobserved characteristics may influence both arts participation and dropout behavior. While controlling for various student and school factors reduces dropout risk associated with arts participation, it doe not eliminate it entirely, suggesting a potential causal link. Presently, evidence doesn't explicitly advocate for investing solely in arts education to tackle dropout rates. Yet, it warns against abrupt cuts in arts budgets, stressing the need for a deeper understanding of how robust arts programs engage at-risk students. Despite fiscal pressures leading to cuts in arts education, mounting evidence, including controlled trials, underscores the value of arts in public school curricula, urging policymakers to consider these findings when making decisions.
Addressing the academic achievement gap among minority and low socioeconomic status students, especially in majority-minority states like California and Texas, has gained attention regarding language variety as a potential factor. A study reviewed by Educational Policy presents recommendations for state policymakers based on a Texas Legislature-commissioned study. This study urges recognizing students who speak language varieties other than standard English as Standard English Learners (SELs), highlighting their unique educational needs. The expert panel offers five key recommendations: enhancing educators’ understanding of language diversity, teaching strategies for students to acquire standard English, integrating language variety into curricula, and fostering a tolerant environment among stakeholders. The study emphasizes the necessity of increasing teacher capacity to identify and support SELs in classrooms, proposing considerations and strategies for states or local education agencies (LEAs) to design effective programs and policies. The report advocates for legislative and administrative actions to equip teachers for specialized instruction to meet the needs of SELs and ensure policy success.
