Building Community

Creating Shared Agreements

This tool from CASEL's Guide to Schoolwide SEL outlines a 6 step process for a school or district team to develop shared agreements about how they will work together to achieve a shared vision and nurture adult SEL.

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How to Develop Working Agreements for Any Group

Oakland's step-by-step instructions for establishing working agreements for a group, and returning to them regularly to check in.

TAGS Adult SEL teacher tool advisory/homeroom building community

CARE for Kids – A Breakthrough in Social and Emotional Learning (video)

This video from Edutopia features classroom meetings taking place in Jefferson County schools, and includes short interviews from the Superintendent and school-based staff and students.

TAGS videos relationship skills advisory/homeroom instructional practices classroom level culture and climate building community building buy-in for SEL youth voice

Self-Assessment Checklist – Cultural Competence

This checklist provides examples of the kinds of values and practices that foster an environment that is aware and respectful of cultural diversity, from Georgetown University's National Center for Cultural Competence.

TAGS cultural competence anti-bias equity culturally responsive community relations building community

Social and Emotional Learning in Practice: Toolkit of Practical Strategies and Resources

Ideal for OST programs, includes tools for equipping staff to teach SEL, creating the learning environment, designing impactful learning experiences, and using data for improvement. Special attention is paid to culturally responsive design.

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A Case for School Connectedness

Short article from Educational Leadership describing the impact of strong school connectedness on academic achievement, behavior, absenteeism, and school completion, as well as and practices that enhance it.

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SEL 3 Signature Practices introductory video – Adult SEL

Video describing the SEL 3 signature practices (welcoming inclusion activity, engaging practices, and optimistic closure) and how to use them in settings with adults, such as a meeting or professional learning.

TAGS PLC mindfulness three signature practices videos self awareness SEL coaching for staff building community professional learning district SEL expertise

Teaching Restorative Practices with Classroom Circles

San Francisco's guide focused on the use of Circles as a proactive measure to build trust and community in a classroom. Includes sample activities and lesson plans for introducing students to restorative practices.

TAGS teacher tool toolkit reading lists - staff culturally responsive teacher training restorative practices advisory/homeroom instructional practices classroom level culture and climate building community professional learning youth voice

SPARK Approach to Positive School Climate

Guide and toolkit for Sacramento's comprehensive school climate model which intertwines principles of restorative disciplinary practices, social and emotional learning, and PBIS. Includes details on school teaming and training.

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Restorative Practices: Fostering Healthy Relationships & Promoting Positive Discipline in Schools

Definitions and demonstrations of the impact of restorative practices with guidance for implementing at the classroom and school level, sponsored by the NEA and AFT.

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