Florida Department of Eduation
Ensuring Quality and Unleashing
Improved Performance
E Q U A L E D U C A T I O N A L O P P O R T U N I T Y P R O G R A M
The EQUIP series provides summaries of current data and research to enhance the decision making and planning process
as Florida’s educational institutions conduct comprehensive self-assessments to identify measurable methods and strate-
gies to ensure access to high quality instruction.
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325 West Gaines St. Rm. 348 • Tallahassee, 32399 850-488-6217 • http//www.firn.edu/doe/eeop/eeop.html
#7
MAY 02
Fostering School Connectedness
.
The Untapped Power of Schools to Improve the Health of Teens
, by Robert Blum, Director,
University of Minnesota Center for Adolescent Health and Development, isolated a number
of factors that contribute to school connectedness.
The article identifies the following ten strategies for teachers that foster connection to school:
•
Help students get to know each other’s strengths
•
Involve students in planning, problem solving, identifying issues and assessing
curriculum in the classroom
•
Promote cooperation over competition. Post everyone’s best work. Offer opportunities
for the class to work together to help everyone achieve excellence
•
Build a strong relationship with each student
•
Convey attentiveness to students and excitement about learning through nonverbal
gestures
•
Involve all students in chores and responsibilities in the classroom
•
Integrate concepts of discipline and respect for classmates throughout instruction
•
Give students more say in what they will learn
•
Involve students in developing the criteria by which their work will be assessed and
provide guidelines so they clearly understand what’s expected of them
•
Use first person plural (we, us, let’s) when presenting classroom activities
The Untapped Power of Schools to Improve the Health of Teens
Robert Blum, April 2002
Complete report available at
http://www.allaboutkids.umn.edu