How to Improve Student Mental Health and Belonging

This month's updates from The BELE Network [View this email in your browser]( Greetings, BELE family: As a former grantee and then Program Officer, Gisele has been an invaluable partner to us all. Since the beginning of the BELE Network, we’ve often relied on Gisele to push us to play bigger in pressing for systemic change and to make real the promise of our democracy for young people and communities that have historically been least well served. Gisele is and has been an unapologetic warrior for educational justice and racial equity. We are now excited to announce that starting in July, Dr. Gisele C. Shorter will transition to continue this work as President and CEO of the [Nellie Mae Education Foundation](. As Director of National Education Strategy at the Raikes Foundation, Dr. Shorter helped us envision an equitable education system and leverage our collective knowledge in service of creating enriching student experiences. Together, we’ve achieved so much — including articulating how to reliably create conditions for students to thrive, sharing evidence-based practices for building equitable learning environments, and making the case for measuring and attuning to student experience. At NMEF and as one of very few Black women in America leading a philanthropic organization, Dr. Shorter will have the opportunity to push forward transformative strategies to increase access to high-quality public education, particularly for young people of color, and create impact across New England. We know her leadership and drive for systems change will continue to make an impact, so it is our pleasure to congratulate Dr. Shorter for her new appointment. We look forward to advancing the work guided and driven by Dr. Shorter since the early days of the BELE Network. In Partnership, LaShawn, Kathleen, Camille, Dave, Ashley, Rob, Cathy, Bethany (The BELE LPs) "I am excited to build on the Foundation's rich history of investing in community transformation and partnerships that advance schools as places where every young person is accepted, valued, and supported in their learning and development. This is at the heart of what matters to families in every community and state within the region." —Dr. Gisele C. Shorter Updated BELE Essential Actions The BELE Network is excited to share our updated BELE Essential Actions, which is a game plan designed to support teachers, principals, district and state leaders, and community partners to use the power each carries to help create an equitable education system that enables the learning and development of all youth. [Get the latest version here.]( The Latest from the BELE Network The BELE 2023 National Convening | The BELE Network Last month, the BELE Network gathered virtually for the annual BELE National Convening to connect and share best practices, stories, and learnings to catalyze progress in our education system. Sessions showcased the work of youth, parents, educators, and other leaders in the education space as they strive to create positive student experiences. In case you missed it, find session recordings, participant resources, and InkFactory visual notes [here](. Ecosystems of Care: Mental Health & Wellbeing in Schools | National Equity Project In a recent NEP blog post, Kathleen Osta, Managing Director at NEP, wrote about concerning trends in students’ mental health as young people report widespread unhappiness and isolation. She writes about six ways educators and other adults can prioritize well-being and invest in creating healthy, connected ecosystems for young people and adults to work, learn, and grow. Read it [here](. Creating a Marketplace for Innovation | Transcend Transcend’s[Innovative Models Exchange]( was recently featured in a case study by the Siegel Family Endowment for advancing innovative learning models in education to improve student experience. The case study details how the Innovative Models Exchange works, its impact on educators using the platform, and areas to expand its use in the future. Read it [here](. Submit to the BELE Network Newsletter We’re always looking for new content from the BELE Network to include in the newsletter. Please share any relevant news, upcoming events, or case studies with us from your organization that you would like to share with the BELE Network. To submit, complete the form [here](. Upcoming Events & Opportunities June 30: Leading Professional Learning Communities | Network for College Success Chicago, IL The Network for College Success is hosting an in-person workshop from August 1-4 to develop professional learning communities focusing on student achievement in schools. Participants will learn to facilitate adult learning, deepen reflective practice, and understand the impact of race and equity on student experience. Register by June 30th [here](. June 30: Request for Sessions for EL Education National Conference | EL Education Virtual EL Education invites educators to submit proposals for sessions at their 2023 National Conference by June 30th. The Conference brings together people motivated by a shared vision of what’s possible for all K-12 students so presenters can share their collective wisdom and expertise related to EL Education [curricula]( the [Three Dimensions of Student Achievement]( and [Core Practices](. Learn how to submit [here](. July 11-August 10: Summer Learning & Action Institute | NewRoot Chicago, IL NewRoot is hosting a series this summer for professionals committed to promoting equity in their communities, including educators, school administrators, security staff, and youth advocates and supporters. The series’ four sessions will help participants develop a restorative justice mindset and reflect on their identities and experiences. Register [here]( by July 11. July 18: Learning Together SEL Workshops | CASEL Virtual CASEL is hosting a 4-part live virtual series to help educators learn to plan, sustain, and continuously improve the implementation of academic, social, and emotional learning in schools. Attendees will learn strategies to lead a collaborative process to engage adults, support students, and create equitable learning environments. Register [here](. BELE in the News Social And Emotional Skills Can Give Students, Workers A Competitive Edge Over AI | K-12 Dive Aaliyah A. Samuel, president and CEO of CASEL, and Stan Litow, chairman of the National Pathways Initiative, write for K-12 Dive on the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and what it means for students to be job-ready. As AI is expected to replace skills that college and career readiness programs focus on developing, they write that now is the time to develop critical social and emotional skills in students. Read the opinion piece [here](. New to BELE? Start Here [The BELE Framework: A Guide to Building Equitable Learning Environments]( We may have inherited a public education system that nurtures racial and class-based inequities, but it is ours to redesign. The BELE Network created a framework that gives educators, administrators, and policymakers the tools that are needed to create an equitable learning environment. [The BELE Resource Library: Find the Best Resource for Your Needs]( This new, collaborative space is an evolving repository of resources and recommendations from across the BELE Network, curated to help educators, parents, and policymakers create classrooms where every student feels valued and has what they need to thrive. [BELE Services Information]( Learn about the organizations that make up the BELE Network and the services they provide to see how you can partner with them for your organization's needs. Have a question? Contact us at info@BELENetwork.org Follow us on social media below! Want to change how you receive these emails? You can [update your preferences]( or [unsubscribe from this list](. 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