Student: Sarah Horne
This initiative was created to address a sharp increase in students’ struggles, in large part due to high rates of poverty and trauma; a report that only 52% of teachers thought they were doing enough for students in the area of social and emotional support; and a consensus among the leadership team that they had “a moral obligation to do something.” Ms. Horne noted that many of the students who struggle the most “may not learn how to self-regulate at home, so this is an equity issue.”
What is the project’s goal?
The goals of the program are to help students learn how to self-regulate and communicate their feelings appropriately, feel safe and valued at school, help teachers understand the contextual factors that may help to explain students’ behavior issues at school, and help teachers develop a mindset and strategy that emphasizes “leading with grace and empathy.”
What is the innovation?
The initiative has five research-based components: (1) ready-made Sanford Harmony lessons and materials linked to the Common Core, plus “Morning Meet-ups” and “Buddy-ups” which encourage students to connect and communicate as a class and in pairs; (2) a universal free breakfast during which calming music is played; (3) a “Calming Corner” in every classroom with tools for self-regulation (fidget toys, squishy balls, bean bag) that students can self-refer to when frustrated; (4) a “Reset Room” that allows individual students to co-regulate with 1-2 school staff; and (5) school-wide training on the color-coded Zones of Regulation, which allow students to easily describe how they are feeling and to ask for help, both at school and at home.
What has been the impact?
The teachers’ commitment to this initiative is strong. The data collected show that students are improving their communication skills. The length and frequency of visits to the Reset Room are decreasing, and “all but one student said that visiting the Reset Room helped them regain their focus, communicate what they’re feeling, and feel better prepared to deal with something next time.”
*All direct quotes are Ms. Horne’s
