Building School Connectedness. Building Successful Students: A Collaborative Workshop. 2/28/2013 Geoffrey Bones, Psy.D. School Psychologist Calkins Road Middle School

Workshop Objectives What is School Connectedness (SC) and how does it contribute to building successful students? What can schools do to foster higher levels of SC? What can Parents do to foster high levels of SC?

What is School Connectedness? School Connectedness: The sense of attachment and commitment a student feels as a result of perceived caring from teachers and peers. (Wilson, 2004).

What is School Connectedness? 3 dimensions of School Connectedness – Social support : being accepted by friends (Connection to peers). – Belonging : a sense of membership in the school community (Connection to school). – Engagement : the degree to which students invest in, and are committed to, relationships with their teachers (Connection to teachers).

Why is SC a worthwhile topic? “A lack of school engagement negatively effects millions of students, and efforts to connect students to schools should be at the forefront of current initiatives to improve education.” (Sulkoeski, Demaray & Lazarus, 2012) High levels of School Connectedness are associated with a number of positive academic, behavioral, and social-emotional outcomes.

School Connectedness is a Protective Factor Academic outcomes – Higher academic achievement - overall grades and standardized tests. – More engaged in learning and higher satisfaction with school. – Better attendance and higher graduation rates.

Protective Factor (cont.) Behavioral outcomes – Decreasing drug and alcohol use, truancy, early sexual behaviors, violence, aggression/ victimization, and risky behaviors. Social - emotional outcomes – Fewer symptoms (present and future) of anxiety and depression. – Lower incidence of eating disorders and suicidal ideation

Who is at risk for lower levels of SC? Minority students Students with disabilities that impact social thinking Students who are experiencing academic difficulty and/or who have been retained Students with domestic violence in the home Families who are economically disadvantaged Students involved in bullying As students get older they become less connected to school

What can schools do to connect to parents? Communication Collaboration with parents, and parent groups Address obstacles to parent participation Make facilities available to community members Provide the community with opportunities for training

What can schools do to connect to students? Provide appropriate student support Effective instruction & classroom management Discipline Opportunities for enrichment Extra-curricular activities Create a safe environment

What can parents do at home? Create opportunities for children to be involved in meaningful ways with their families Strengthen family bonds Behavior management Teach children skills to resist peer influences Reduce family conflict and control emotions Model good healthy habits and skills

What can parents do at school? Volunteer in classrooms and activities Serve on ERPTA or SEPTA Participate in school-community activities Play an active role by reviewing homework, discussing assignments, checking teacher websites, etc. Work cooperatively with teachers and administrators to support student needs

Summary School Connectedness is the sense of attachment and commitment a student feels as a result of perceived caring from teachers and peers. SC a worthwhile topic because it is a major protective factor that is associated with a number of positive student outcomes. SC is maximized when schools and parents work together to provide a safe, stable environment that models adaptive behaviors and provides opportunities to develop skills necessary for success in life.