Katharyn Peterman

Middle school is a time of change for many students, and navigating these changes can potentially lead to disengagement and absenteeism. Fostering a sense of belonging may help students stay engaged in middle school -- setting them up for later academic success.

Regional Educational Laboratory (REL) Midwest is looking for school districts in the Midwest to join the Data-Informed Leadership for Equity (DILE) partnership, which strives to build school leader capacity to use data to reduce disparities in sense of belonging, disciplinary actions, and absenteeism among student groups in middle school.

School leaders and educators can use these practical strategies to communicate with caregivers about school climate surveys and their beneficial role in helping schools assess how well they are providing supportive learning environments.