Empowering Students Through New Narratives

This month's updates from The BELE Network [View this email in your browser]( [Kingmakers of Oakland]( Greetings, BELE family: Across the country, we’re seeing bright spots as organizations and schools lead transformational work to break barriers and create equitable learning environments. Look no further than [Kingmakers of Oakland]( a leadership development and systems change nonprofit and BELE Network partner that improves school experiences and outcomes for Black male students. This work is happening against the background of recent NAEP scores, which recorded a loss of 13 points among Black students compared to five among white students. To improve academic outcomes and student experiences, Kingmakers shifts the mindsets of educators and administrators that impact Black students’ everyday experiences and contribute to negative trends. In Georgia’s Gwinnett County Public School District, for example, Kingmakers engaged administrators to understand barriers to student success, in part through interviews with students about their experiences. Conversations led to new programming that provided more opportunities for Black students. Their strategies work—one study showing a 43% decline in Oakland Unified School District high school dropouts because of Kingmakers’ programs since 2010. As we build momentum this school year, [read more]( about the strategies Kingmakers are using to empower Black students. In Partnership, The BELE Network [Read the full piece]( The Latest from the BELE Network The Power of Leadership Presence | EL Education Dr. Valerie Calvert, Principal at Westgate Elementary School, says that being present for educators and students allows her to be a leader that builds trust and cultivates a positive culture at school. Still, being fully present for her students and staff every day can be a challenge. Read how she moves forward [here](. Back-To-School SEL Strategies | CASEL Social and emotional learning (SEL) helps educators lay the foundation for a strong school year for students. In this short report, CASEL provides five strategies to develop skills and supportive environments that strengthen academic achievement, mental well-being, and long-term success. Find them [here](. Transcend Staff Reflect on Latinx Heritage Month | Transcend For Latinx Heritage Month, Latinx staff at Transcend shared reflections on identity, belonging, and connection in the education community. They emphasize the importance of celebrating their rich histories and cultures and supporting Latinx students to thrive in a space where they can be themselves. Read more [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 Leadership Opportunities | The Nellie Mae Education Foundation Application The Nellie Mae Education Foundation (NMEF) is looking for a [Chief Financial Officer]( and a [Chief of Staff and Culture](. NMEF invites leaders to apply who have a track record for cultivating talent and converting high-level strategic thinking into actionable plans to advance excellent, student-centered public education for all New England youth. To learn more about these positions, visit the NMEF website [here](. October 19 & November 2: Centering Student Identity | National Equity Project Virtual Join NEP’s workshop moving from “big picture” conversations about equity to effectively implementing classroom practices. Educators, adults who work with school-age youth, and professionals who support the development of educators will explore the power of building trust to improve student engagement and outcomes. Register [here](. November 7-9: 2023 SEL Exchange | CASEL Atlanta, GA CASEL’s annual conference will explore the importance of social and emotional learning (SEL) for adults so they can provide positive experiences for students. When adults and students have opportunities to develop SEL skills, we can create learning environments where everyone thrives. Register [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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