Caring Communities: Linking School Culture and Student Development

The fourth case study from the Aspen Institute National Commission on Social, Emotional, and Academic Development discusses the relationship between school climate and culture and social, emotional, and academic development. “Caring Communities: Linking School Culture and Student Development” highlights intentional approaches to creating safe and supportive school climates, with a special focus on Kellison Elementary School in Fenton, Mo.

The case study also describes approaches by high schools >across the country, including Damonte Ranch High School in Washoe County, Nev., which builds relationships with students through advisory groups; John Hancock College Preparatory High School in Chicago, which has partnered with community organizations to help transform its school culture and climate and improve students’ social, emotional, and academic skills; and Westbrook High School in Westbrook, Conn., which focuses on building students’ leadership skills and voice to improve school climate.

Blog Posts Publications

Putting It All Together

Shows how schools and educators enhance learning when they teach a curriculum that simultaneously builds students’ social, emotional, and academic understanding.

Blog Posts Publications

Supporting the Whole Teacher

Highlights the need for teacher preparation and professional learning to both build teachers’ own social and emotional competence and prepare teachers to foster these skills in their students.

Blog Posts Publications

School-Community Partnerships

The third case study discusses the role community partners can play in supporting children’s learning in collaboration with schools.

Blog Posts Publications

National Commission Case Study Series

The four-part case study series will explore these topics: Using a curriculum that simultaneously builds students’ social, emotional, and academic understanding, Ensuring that teachers are prepared to promote students’ comprehensive development, Promoting a positive school climate and culture, and Partnering with the broader community to support students.