The Center for Public Research and Leadership at Columbia University worked with the BELE Network to identify bright spot organizations and school systems that are embracing equity-oriented principles with promising effect. This report details four bright spots that are effectively building equitable learning environments, including Kingmakers of Oakland, Equal Opportunity Schools, Mineola Public Schools, and…

The fourth BELE learning brief explores how an elementary school in one of CASEL’s BELE districts worked to build authentic caregiver and community partnerships throughout a year-long project to transform an existing mural. The brief explores three key conditions to sustain authentic partnerships among caregivers, community members, educators, and school leaders.

The University of Chicago Network for College Success (NCS) worked with Chicago Public Schools to implement Elevate and support teachers in reflecting on student feedback and developing school policies that center student voice. This case study details strategies NCS implemented to ensure student success and on-time graduation, including:

Transforming the Teacher Role is a resource to help schools and districts rise to the challenges of teacher staffing shortages and a dwindling pipeline. As recent dissatisfaction and resignation trends are shedding more light on the need for change, this paper explores innovative staffing models and strategies to transform the experiences of teachers and boost…

This paper — the third entry of the BELE learning series — explores five key actions that can be taken to effectively implement student-centered data systems in creating learning environments where all young people feel seen, heard, and able to achieve. Paired with practical examples, these key actions were generated in partnership with BELE learning…

Over 5 Elevate cycles, teachers at West Buffalo Charter School partnered with their students and each other to make schoolwide improvements in multiple learning conditions. This case study reveals the steps taken and key insights from the process.

Teachers can accelerate learning by creating motivating classroom conditions. Highlighting the Elevate framework, this research brief focuses on quantifying the relationship between math achievement and the Elevate learning conditions, as well as variability in conditions over time. Key highlights include:

This report analyzes a large-scale, first-of-its-kind survey of elected school board members from across the country, focusing on education leaders of colors. A deeper understanding of their perspectives, priorities, experiences, and challenges is critical to recruiting more diverse candidates and ultimately driving school boards to address structural racism in education.

This brief highlights key learnings from CASEL’s pilot SEL Dialogue Series for Caregiver-School Partnerships, which took place at a high school in Chicago, Ill., during Spring, 2022. It hones in on 4 insights towards creating authentic school-family partnerships, each with a corresponding set of recommendations for school leaders.

Part of the BELE learning series, this paper explores insights from our equity initiatives in partner districts. It focuses on the conditions necessary to create equitable learning environments that enhance the student experience, and where districts should focus their efforts to sustain meaningful change.