Pedro Noguera

In recent years, as policymakers and educators have sought to find new ways to improve student outcomes, there has been a call for greater focus on addressing social, emotional and mental health needs of students. The disruptions created by the pandemic have significantly exacerbated pre-existing disparities, contributed to higher rates of chronic absenteeism, and brought greater awareness to the wide range of needs of our most vulnerable children. Too often, past reform efforts have focused narrowly on achievement while ignoring the psychological, emotional and social challenges confronting many children. It is now clear that in order for more students and schools to make greater academic progress, a more holistic approach is needed. This presentation will present research and describe strategies that have been utilized at schools that have been successful in countering the risks facing students, in motivating them to excel academically, and become more resilient. We will show through concrete examples that it is possible to create schools that are more supportive, equitable, engaging, and more successful in meeting student needs.