Parents want social interaction for their kids, but schools don’t do that well even in normal times Michael B. Horn Parents want social interaction for their kids, but schools don’t do that well even in normal times Even before COVID-19, traditional classrooms weren't optimized for students' social experiences. Parents should adjust their expectations. Aug 27, 2020 Michael B. Horn
Reflections on research: The importance of students’ relationships in closing opportunity gaps Christensen Institute Reflections on research: The importance of students’ relationships in closing opportunity gaps Julia Freeland Fisher joins MENTOR’s Reflection on Research podcast to talk about her book, Who You Know: Unlocking Innovations That Expand Students’ Networks and discuss […] Aug 12, 2020 Christensen Institute
The promise of campus connections: A liability or an impetus for innovation? Julia Freeland Fisher The promise of campus connections: A liability or an impetus for innovation? Is college really college without relationships? And do colleges actually provide myriad social connections reliably enough to justify the high price of tuition? Aug 12, 2020 Julia Freeland Fisher
Who you know matters. Let’s start measuring it. Mahnaz Charania Who you know matters. Let’s start measuring it. Measuring relationships as assets in the student success equation is crucial to ensuring that students don’t just graduate with skills, but with a network. July 22, 2020 Mahnaz Charania
The missing metrics: Emerging practices for measuring students’ relationships and networks Mahnaz Charania The missing metrics: Emerging practices for measuring students’ relationships and networks By measuring students’ social capital, education systems can start to close opportunity gaps and ensure all students are supported equitably. July 16, 2020 Mahnaz Charania
Don’t cancel summer, reinvent it Julia Freeland Fisher Don’t cancel summer, reinvent it How programs are reimagining summer as a critical chance to put equitable access and family agency front and center during social distancing. July 15, 2020 Julia Freeland Fisher
Don’t stop with broadband—build an infrastructure for supporting students Julia Freeland Fisher Don’t stop with broadband—build an infrastructure for supporting students Wi-Fi is but one of many out-of-school factors that shape academic success. May 28, 2020 Julia Freeland Fisher
As cities axe summer youth work programs, here are alternatives to consider Julia Freeland Fisher As cities axe summer youth work programs, here are alternatives to consider Even in an era of social distancing and dwindling coffers, young people can—and should—still get the chance to participate in the world of work. Apr 28, 2020 Julia Freeland Fisher
How workforce programs can fight isolation—even amidst social distancing and layoffs Julia Freeland Fisher How workforce programs can fight isolation—even amidst social distancing and layoffs If workforce programs start focusing on social capital today, young people can emerge from quarantine with opportunities in hand. Apr 16, 2020 Julia Freeland Fisher
Social connections matter now more than ever. Here’s how schools can prioritize them. Julia Freeland Fisher Social connections matter now more than ever. Here’s how schools can prioritize them. Education systems need to triage a social crisis, not just an academic one. Apr 2, 2020 Julia Freeland Fisher
Don’t discount the power of students’ acquaintances to expand supports and horizons Julia Freeland Fisher Don’t discount the power of students’ acquaintances to expand supports and horizons Research shows why the 'strength of weak ties' in students' lives should not go ignored. Feb 19, 2020 Julia Freeland Fisher
5 ways to ensure SEL is an instrument for equity of opportunity Julia Freeland Fisher 5 ways to ensure SEL is an instrument for equity of opportunity Though developing SEL skills are important, students also need access to a range of supportive connections who can help them get by and get ahead. Feb 12, 2020 Julia Freeland Fisher