How School Districts Can Address the Needs of Students Furthest From Opportunity

Session Type: Symposium

Abstract

Far too many children and youth face challenges to school success due to poverty, crisis, and unstable housing. The needs of these vulnerable children and youth are often unmet. School districts have an important role to play in creating environments that foster resilience and promote learning among all students. The objective of this symposium is to bring to light evidence-based strategies school districts can implement to meet the learning and social-emotional needs of students furthest from opportunity. Symposium attendees will learn of new policy-relevant research on poverty-responsive schools, supports for students experiencing homelessness, design principles for whole child education, and community schools’ approach to meeting students’ needs. Panelists will engage attendees in discussion on creating schools where all students can thrive.

Sub Unit

• Division A - Administration / Division A - Section 2: School Organization and Effects

Chair

• Stephanie Levin, Learning Policy Institute

Papers

• Five Strategies for Schools Serving Children Living in Deep Poverty - Peter Willis Cookson, Learning Policy Institute

• Supporting Students Experiencing Homelessness: District Approaches to Supports and Funding - Stephanie Levin, Learning Policy Institute; Daniel Espinoza, Learning Policy Institute; Michael Griffith, Learning Policy Institute

• Design Principles for Schools: Putting the Science of Learning and Development Into Action - Sara Plasencia, Learning Policy Institute

• Supporting Students Through Community Schools: Lessons From New Mexico - Daniel Espinoza, Learning Policy Institute

Discussants

• Tiffany Miller, Learning Policy Institute

• Melissa Kull, Chapin Hall at the University of Chicago