Culture and Climate

Teacher Stress and Health

This issue brief examines sources and effects of teacher stress and highlights programs, practices and policies to reduce stress and improve teacher well-being and performance.

TAGS Adult SEL mindfulness staff onboarding culture and climate

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.

TAGS paraprofessionals security staff staff onboarding teacher tool toolkit reading lists - staff culturally responsive teacher training advisory/homeroom middle school grades PK-12 instructional practices classroom level culture and climate building community out of school professional learning

School Climate Improvement: What do Teachers Believe, Need and Want?

A research report from the National School Climate Center shows 90% of educators believe that a positive school climate is very important, and educators wanted tools and "roadmaps" for improving school climate.

TAGS journal article SEL coaching for staff culture and climate building buy-in for SEL

Oakland Academic Social Emotional Learning Guidance Document

Oakland's guidance document for school leaders describes the district's mission, vision, and tools for measuring success and describes how SEL is part of instructional priorities and multi-tiered systems of support.

TAGS SEL and Academic Integration english language learners define SEL metrics CCSS equity culturally responsive continuous improvement instructional practices culture and climate MTSS integrate with district priorities district SEL expertise SEL leadership

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.

TAGS bullying prevention mental health journal article relationship skills research brief advisory/homeroom middle school grades high school grades culture and climate building community integrate with district priorities

Oakland’s Leadership Growth and Development System Principal Handbook

Handbook detailing each dimension of the principal evaluation framework, with categories including "Leadership for Healthy Relationships and Culture" and "Leadership for Equity".

TAGS board policies human and financial resource alignment equity culture and climate integrate with district priorities SEL leadership

PBIS and SEL Slides

Brief powerpoint introduction to the similarities between PBIS and SEL, useful for schools that are committed to PBIS and beginning to explore more explit approaches to SEL.

TAGS PBIS evidence-based programs culture and climate

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

SEL and PBIS

Venn Diagram showing similarities and differences between schoolwide PBIS and schoolwide SEL.

TAGS PBIS culture and climate

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.

TAGS PBIS alternatives to suspension anti-bias board policies toolkit relationship skills SEL coaching for staff equity implementation plan restorative practices culture and climate building community student discipline youth voice