The science of student connectedness
Connection matters, and we’ve been working hard to fully integrate a multitude of meaningful connection points for learning communities in the NEW FreshGrade Connect platform.
Last week we posted a blog that highlighted some of the reasons FreshGrade has been focused on delivering teachers, students, and families the most powerful student portfolios in the world.
This week, we wanted to share some evidence-based recommendations that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has for schools. Feelings of connection are closely tied to academic success and personal health. (1)
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Create engagement
Create decision-making processes that allow for student, family and community engagement
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Give opportunities for active family involvement
Provide opportunities to enable families to be actively involved in their children’s education.
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Foster a positive environment
Use effective methods to foster a positive learning environment.
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Support teachers
Provide professional development and support for teachers to enable them to meet the diverse cognitive, emotional, and social needs of students.
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Promote open communication
Create trusting and caring relationships that promote open communication among all the people within learning communities.
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Research shows that student growth is best met when we’re facilitating student, family and community engagement, providing ways for active involvement, fostering a positive learning environment, meeting the diverse needs of kids, and creating trusted relationships that promote ongoing communication. These recommendations are things that we’ve heard about from teachers and families, too—and they are front-of-mind for everyone with an interest in education right now, especially people who are facing the school year with remote teaching and learning.
New FreshGrade Connect focuses on student growth with these principles in mind. We know this year will be a challenging one. Our goal is to give everyone the powerful, easy-to-use tools they need to connect, be empowered, and be engaged with learning. We’d love to hear from you about what the teaching and learning situation is like in your district. Please head to Facebook and share your ideas for making connections with students and family.
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https://www.apa.org/pi/lgbt/programs/safe-supportive/school-connectedness
1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2009). School Connectedness: Strategies for Increasing Protective Factors Among Youth. Atlanta: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
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