Children’s environments, experiences, and relationships drive how they learn and develop. Because the brain’s developing structures and the expression of genetic endowment are sensitive to context, children exposed to stress and adversity can face tremendous obstacles in school, work, and life. But because the brain is malleable and context sensitive, educators can transform students’ lives by designing learning environments that nurture their skills and talent, buffer against and alleviate stress and trauma, and unleash potential.


What Learning and Developmental Science Says about Optimal Learning Environments



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Why School Climate Matters and What Can Be Done to Improve It

By Linda Darling-Hammond and Jennifer DePaoli

Educators’ abilities to forge strong relationships with students lie at the heart of strong schools.





School Climate and Measurement

By David Osher, Sam Neiman and Sandra Williamson

All schools should be using climate data, which can be used statewide for accountability, too.





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Why School Climate Matters for Teachers and Students

By Matthew Kraft and Grace Falken

Teachers in strong climates get better faster, stay longer, and propel their students to greater heights.





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School Discipline Reform Is Still Needed, but Is Discipline Policy Still the Solution?

By Kristen Harper

Addressing disparities requires a broader, deeper look at school culture, process, and practice.






Measures of SEL and School Climate in California

By Taylor Allbright and Heather Hough

CORE Districts plumb the possibilities of using holistic measures to improve schools.





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Creating Equitable School Climates

By Randy Ross, Philip Brown and Kori Hamilton Biagas

How states and districts are weaving equity into their efforts to improve climate.





Removing Barriers to LGBTQ Student Safety and Achievement

By Aaron Ridings

Comprehensive protections from bullying and harassment help everyone.





African American father and adorable son building constructor tower. Image credit: iStock

What Learning and Developmental Science Says about Optimal Learning Environments

By Pamela Cantor MD and Nora Gomperts

We know what leads children toward healthy development. We just need to build it.








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