New Interactive Series for SS/HS Grantees!

Public policy and school practice are focusing increasingly on school climate and the conditions for learning, both of which are important to safe and successful schools and student mental wellness. The Safe and Supportive Schools initiative (http://safesupportiveschools.ed.gov/index.php?id=01) is one example of how public policy and school practice are coming together; proposals to reform the Elementary and Secondary Education Act are another. Starting in May 2011, the National Center will team with the Safe and Supportive Schools initiative to present a five-part discussion series. This interactive series will engage Safe Schools/Healthy Students (SS/HS) grantees in a conversation with David Osher, http://sshs.promoteprevent.org/about/ta-center-staff/david-osher, about the importance of school climate and the conditions for learning, the relationship between the two, and what we know about measuring and improving both. We will dialogue about the conditions for learning and how they relate to climate, learning, and achievement. The focus of our discussions will be:

* May: Social and emotional safety

* June: The experience of connectedness to school and support from teachers and other school staff

* July: The experience of academic challenge and engagement

* August: The importance of peer values and student and peer social and emotional capacity

* September: The relationship among the conditions of learning, attendance, and dropping out