School Practices Research Articles

Using diversity, equity and inclusion school practices to mitigate child health inequities in Canada

Abstract Background The burden of unhealthy lifestyle behaviours and mental disorders disproportionately affects children in deprived neighbourhoods. In Canada, school practices addressing diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) are promoted to address such inequities. We aimed to assess whether DEI school practices can help mitigate the impact of neighbourhood deprivation on children’s lifestyle behaviours and mental health. Methods In 2023 we gathered survey data from 1497 grade 4-6 children (aged 9-12) in 22 elementary schools located in deprived neighbourhoods in Alberta, Canada. Children reported their diet, screen time, physical activity, and mental health. Principals reported on the implementation of DEI practices in schools (full vs. partial). School postal codes were used to derive tertiles of the Canadian Index of Multiple Deprivation, comprised of four dimensions that capture: 1) residential instability; 2) economic dependency; 3) ethno-cultural composition and 4) situational vulnerability of neighbourhoods. Results Overall, 45% of schools had fully implemented DEI practices. These schools were located in more deprived neighbourhoods for residential instability (55%), economic dependency (71%), ethno-cultural composition (60%), and situational vulnerability (64%). Children in more deprived neighbourhoods reported more sugar consumption, more screen time, and poorer mental health, compared to children in less deprived neighbourhoods. However, in those neighbourhoods where DEI practices were fully implemented, the adverse effects of neighbourhood deprivation were alleviated, whereby children reported less sugar consumption, less screen time, and better mental health. Conclusions The implementation of DEI school practices can help mitigate the adverse effects of neighbourhood deprivation on children’s physical and mental health, particularly in deprived neighbourhoods. Key messages • School practices targeting diversity, equity, and inclusion are more commonly implemented in schools located in deprived neighbourhoods. • Diversity, equity, and inclusion school practices mitigate the adverse effects of neighbourhood deprivation on children’s lifestyle behaviours and mental health.

Can a Universal Mindfulness Programme Improve Well-Being in Adolescents?

Abstract Background Approx. 14% of adolescents experience mental health disorders. Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) could be one way to support adolescents’ well-being. We investigated the effectiveness of a 9-week school-based mindfulness intervention on adolescents’ well-being, moderated by gender, grade, and independent practice. Methods In total 3519 Finnish adolescents (aged 12 - 15) from 56 schools were randomized into intervention, active (relaxation), and inactive (normal school curriculum) control groups. Well-being was assessed with two life satisfaction measures (Life Satisfaction [OECD] and The Satisfaction with Life Scale-Child [SWLS-C]) and positive and negative affects (Positive and negative affects [PANAS]) at baseline, at 9 weeks and 26 weeks and analyzed using multilevel linear modeling. Results Significant improvement in life satisfaction (SWLS-C) was found at 9 weeks in the MBI group (β = 0.38, 95 % CI 0.08-0.68, p = 0.009) compared to the active control. Furthermore, MBI demonstrated an increase in life satisfaction (OECD) among boys (β = 0.25, 95 % CI 0.04-0.46, p = 0.016) and 6th graders (β = 0.26, 95 % CI 0.04-0.49, p = 0.015) at 9 weeks compared to the active control. Additionally, MBI participants engaging in independent practice at least once a week had a higher increase in positive affect at week 26 compared to both the active (β = 3.01, 95 % CI 0.55-5.47, p = 0.009) and inactive control groups (β = 2.81, 95 % CI 0.23-5.40, p = 0.026). Those practicing MBI almost daily also demonstrated a higher increase in positive affect at week 26 compared to the active control group (β = 2.95, 95 % CI 0.28-5.62, p = 0.023). Conclusions MBI in the school context seems to have the potential to increase the well-being of adolescents, especially those who commit to regular independent mindfulness practice. Gender and grade may moderate the effects of MBI. Therefore, we need to better understand how gender and age influence the effectiveness of MBI. Key messages • The findings indicate the need to further examine potential mediators and moderators that may influence the effectiveness of MBI on adolescents. • According to this study, regular mindfulness practice in schools appears to be a promising way to improve well-being of adolescents.

Developing mental wellbeing promotion practices in Finnish primary schools: The CONSENSUS project

Abstract Issue/problem Schools constitute a key arena for promoting mental wellbeing among children and adolescents, and the Finnish welfare state has many beneficial structures in place for promoting mental wellbeing in schools. However, as mental health problems are prevalent, the need to advance this work is vital, ideally applying a holistic approach focusing on school-family interaction. Description of the problem The Finnish CONSENSUS project (2021-2025) focuses on the development of new practices and collaboration models in mental wellbeing promotion, targeting pupils in 13 primary schools in the Ostrobothnia region. The project answers question such as: What focal areas are prioritized by stakeholders in the development of mental wellbeing promotion in schools? How do participatory principles contribute to the development process and related outcomes? Results In 2024, a synthesis of previous project results (interviews, focus groups and longitudinal survey data collected among pupils, school personnel, school health care services and parents) was generated. The synthesis encompasses 20 possible priority areas to focus on in the development of mental well-being promotion actions, which are ranked by stakeholder representatives utilizing Delphi methods. Some pinpointed priority areas are implemented and evaluated in collaboration with self-selected schools during the academic year 2024-2025. Lessons Results highlight priorities in the development of mental wellbeing promotion in Finnish primary schools and describe focal areas being piloted, also illustrating opportunities and challenges when implementing participatory principles in action research projects. Key messages • Project results highlight prioritized areas in the development of mental wellbeing promotion in Finnish schools, as well as new initiatives currently being piloted. • The project approach emphasising participatory principles provides lessons for other initiatives focusing on mental wellbeing promotion development in schools.

Predictors of Happiness and Life Satisfaction among University Teacher-Trainees on Internship

The study investigated the factors that drive happiness and life satisfaction among university teacher trainees on school practice internship. It was a purely qualitative study that employed explorative methods and a phenomenological design because it dealt with the subjective experiences about happiness and life satisfaction during internship as a phenomenon. It was conducted on a population of 25 participants drawn from a total population of about 700 teacher trainees on internship placement. The respondents were selected using both purposive and convenient sampling technique. These methods were preferred because purposively, the respondents were teacher trainees on internship and conveniently, they were under the supervision of the corresponding author. Data was collected using in depth interviews and analysed using themes and narratives drawn from the transcribed data. Results’ presentation, analysis and discussions was done concurrently. The findings revealed that happiness and life satisfaction among teacher trainees on internship school practice placement is determined by economic and financial drivers, supervision processes, collegial social support and connections, student or learner attributes, logistical provisions and follow up factors. As a result of the findings, universities invested in teacher training and schools hosting internship teacher trainees are required to boost the university-based and school-based factors in order to promote happiness and life satisfaction among the trainees respectively through provision of teaching practice logistics, supervisor support and evaluation, student/learner discipline, as conditions aimed at enhancing happiness, for the end goals of academic achievement

School Social Workers’ Reports of Differences in Policies and Practices in Trauma-Informed and Non-Trauma-Informed Schools

This study explored trauma-informed schools from the perspective of social workers, documenting the reported practices and policies associated with trauma-informed approaches in U.S. schools. Survey data from 538 school social workers were analyzed to investigate the differences in policies and practices between schools identified as trauma informed and not. Logistic regression analyses examined whether the presence of specific school practices and policies was associated with the identification of a school as trauma informed. Of a wide array of programs and policies that may be present in trauma-informed schools, only the presence of trauma training and resources for secondary traumatic stress were key predictors of social workers’ identification of a school as trauma informed. The implementation of trauma training has long been the primary focus of trauma-informed approaches in schools. Should commitment to trauma-informed approaches endure, we recommend moving beyond training and secondary traumatic stress resources to deepen the field’s focus on implementing trauma-informed practices and policies at all organizational levels. We also recommend that future research looks carefully at how some school safety and trauma-informed approaches may be incompatible and the extent to which trauma-informed approaches improve or detract from children’s educational experiences and outcomes.

DESAFIOS E POSSIBILIDADES DA GESTÃO EDUCACIONAL: INOVAÇÃO E MELHORIA NA TOMADA DE DECISÕES

The theme “Challenges and Possibilities of Management in Education” explores the complexity and opportunities present in contemporary educational management. The main objective of this work is to analyze the challenges faced by educational managers in managing resources and implementing public policies, identifying innovative strategies that promote efficiency and continuous improvement in the quality of education. The research seeks to answer the question: how can educational managers face the challenges of managing resources and implementing public policies, while seeking innovation and continuous improvement in the quality of education in public institutions? The methodology used included a literature review on educational management. The results indicate that, despite the scarcity of resources and social inequalities, educational management offers numerous possibilities, such as the integration of digital technologies, the strengthening of participatory management, strategic planning oriented towards results and the development of educational leaders. Public-private partnerships emerge as an effective alternative to enhance resources and knowledge, contributing to the continuous improvement of school practices. The conclusion highlights the importance of proactive and innovative management, capable of adapting to changes and promoting quality education and inclusion.

WhatsApp Support for School Experience e-Portfolio Development: A Conversational Approach

This paper reflects on the different ways of learning fostered by Whatsapp in the development of school experience e-Portfolios. Student teachers in one institution went through their school experience and practice teaching with an expectation to submit portfolios in an electronic format as evidence of their engagement with the theory and practice of teaching. WhatsApp interactions between student teachers, the school experience co-ordinator, and the practitioners in the Academic Development Centre, supporting the development of e-Portfolios, had to be relied on during the process of developing e-Portfolios. Informed by Laurillard's conversational framework on the six ways of learning, this study analysed the possibilities of WhatsApp support in the development of e-Portfolios by student teachers in one university. First and fourth-year education students on school experience provided qualitative data on the ways of learning that are best and least served by WhatsApp. Their accounts and evaluations of their interactions and support through WhatsApp were expressed narratively. Meaning units were extracted through content analysis and allotted to themes and categories suggested by the conversational framework. This study reports on the usefulness of the framework to evaluate WhatsApp support as well as the ways of learning that are most and least served by WhatsApp support on the development of e-Portfolios of evidence on practice teaching. Recommendations on the efficacious use of WhatsApp support for e-Portfolio development, the practices that would foster the realisation of all the six ways of learning, and enhancement of e-Portfolio development for the school experience are furnished. Suggestions are also proffered on further research about purposive use of WhatsApp and the conversational framework on e-Portfolio development.

Examination of state-level school safety data dashboard characteristics

Choices made on data visualizations guide how users make meaning of the information presented. This research investigates design decisions made on 115 state-level dashboards reporting school safety data. Using pre-determined codes drawn from a framework of visualization rhetoric, dashboard characteristics were described and analyzed. Analysis demonstrates that school safety dashboards vary significantly in types of school safety data included as well as how such data are presented. Most dashboards lack specific interpretative text or narration, meaning the messages and stories communicated by dashboards are influenced largely by choices in data included, how it is visually represented, and the interactivity provided to users. The choices craft divergent stories about school safety for dashboard users—including, but not limited to, those that foreground student behavior as the central threat, those that present school practices as problematic, and those that center community creation—which may shape public discourse around school safety. In concert, rhetorical choices reflect different perspectives on safety, students, and schools.

Inklusionens fundamenter: en longitudinal undersøgelse af betydningen af lærere og pædagogers inklusionsholdninger og mestringsoplevelser

This article reports on a large-scale longitudinal study on teachers’ and social educators’ attitudes and concerns towards inclusion as well as their self-efficacy for inclusive practices in schools in Denmark. We applied a survey constituted by The sentiments, attitudes, and concerns about inclusive education (SAICE) and Teacher efficacy for inclusive practice (TEIP) scales as well as questions concerning understandings of the notion of inclusion. The main findings of the study are that there is a correlation between attitudes and concerns regarding inclusion and teacher self-efficacy and that there are factors such as employment, experience and education that have an influence on attitudes towards inclusion.

Adolescent psychosocial identity development associated with traditional rituals and rites of passage in the Bosomtwe District of Ghana

ABSTRACT This paper reports on a study that explored how adolescents in the Bosomtwe District of Ghana experience their psychosocial identity development in relation to participating in traditional rituals and rites of passage. This study employed a phenomenology case study design with a purposive sampling procedure. Data was gathered from focus group discussions and semi-structured interviews and analysed through thematic content analysis. The participants were 20 adolescent learners in the focus groups, and 12 teachers, 12 parents and eight adolescents in individual interviews. The study found that adolescents undergo psychosocial identity development due to participating in ritualisation processes in a variety of ways. According to the study’s findings, initiation activities exposed adolescents to distinct cultural values, aided them in developing a larger worldview, enhanced self-awareness, and improved social skills. On the other hand, not all adolescents had favourable experiences with their traditional rituals and rites of passage. Furthermore, traditional practices may perpetuate negative gender stereotypes, and discriminatory actions and behaviour. We recommend collaborating with guidance counsellors, parents and guardians, community members, and leaders when providing counselling services to adolescents We also recommend policy development to encourage integrating traditional practices in formal schooling.

Adoption of the composting practice in the farmer field school of San Mateo Piñas, Oaxaca, Mexico

The adoption of agricultural technology is a process that involves the participation of various stakeholders. Evaluating this process is important for identifying factors that either limit or promote the use of new technologies in rural areas. The objective of this research was to estimate the degree of adoption of compost technology, as well as the variables that influence the use of this agroecological practice among small rural producers from a field school in the municipality of San Mateo Piñas, Oaxaca, Mexico. Using probabilistic sampling, 36 producers from a field school focused on coffee production were selected. A questionnaire was applied, covering topics related to socioeconomic and productive aspects, along with a technical sheet to evaluate the variables related to the adoption of compost. A total of 96% of producers reported being familiar with the technology, 88% had prepared and tested it in the field, and 54% had adopted it in the coffee production process. Additionally, a positive and moderate correlation was found, with a value of r(21)=.456, p=.029, between adoption and the variable related to the individual preparation of compost. The technical support provided through the field school approach facilitated the individual adoption of compost technology and identified areas of opportunity that could allow for greater degrees of adoption of new technologies.

Agency, Structure, and Organization: School-Wide Approaches to Dismantling Injustice

Schools and districts have long grappled with race- and disability-based exclusionary discipline inequities. Research on the topic has uncovered a variety of systems that maintain such disparities, including school policies and practices that exacerbate the problem. Researchers and practitioners have increasingly considered school context and practices as mediators of both special education and exclusionary discipline risk. Although educational leaders are often required to review policies, practices, and procedures that contribute to inequities, few tools exist for practical translation toward school-wide solutions. This case is designed to help school and district leaders translate theory and research into practical actions for transformational change. The case provides considerations for designing and implementing culturally responsive Multi-Tiered Systems and Supports within a given school context, including climate and programming.

A look at the treatment of the contents of Agroecology as a component of agricultural education in Biology 1

<p>Currently, the study of Agroecology as a component of agricultural education in the subject of Biology 1 and the treatment of its contents at the basic secondary educational level is of great importance. Agricultural education is of vital importance to achieve sustainable development, adopting environmental, economic and social policies based on agroecological principles related to food production and local development from the Cuban educational system. In this sense, it is necessary for teachers to promote and encourage students towards the use of agroecological practices to contribute to the education of current and future generations in love and respect for rurality and for the school to become an extensionist of the agrarian culture. The objective of this article is: to systematize the theoretical foundations of Agroecology as a component of agricultural education and the treatment of its contents, promoting agroecological practices on the basis of food sovereignty and security. To achieve this objective, theoretical (analytical-synthetic; inductive-deductive) and empirical (observation; documentary analysis and interview) methods were used. The importance of this work lies in seventh grade students being able to develop agroecological practices in school, family and community with a view to finding possible solutions to the problems associated with production processes to support family food security.<strong></strong></p>

Exploring factors influencing secondary school teachers’ engagement in reflective teaching

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to examine the factors that influenced secondary school teachers’ engagement in reflective teaching. A quantitative approach with survey design was used in the study. To collect relevant data, a structured questionnaire which had 33 items was administered to 361 teachers. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were conducted to gauge the key factors. The results of structural equation modeling illustrated and validated that five independent variables, including inadequate professional development, lack of time, unsupportive school culture and leadership, resource constraints, and inadequate recognition, had significant impact on teachers’ engagement in reflective teaching. In line with the findings, the study suggests the need for school leaders and respective bodies to provide adequate professional development through arranging tailored schemes, institute supportive school culture and leadership, ensure sufficient time and resource provision, and recognise the importance of reflective teaching in order to encourage its practice in secondary schools.

The effect of flipped learning on students’ basic psychological needs and its association with self-esteem

BackgroundModification of the learning environment enhances academic performance, and meta-motivational skills. Yet it is largely unknown which underlying cause potentiates these effects. The study’s goal is to analyse flipped classroom (FC) effect on basic psychological needs and self-esteem.Methods40 undergraduate medical students participated in a one-site two phased study. In Phase I, students attended a traditional lecture-based classroom (TC). In Phase II, the same group attended FC. Upon completion of each Phase students completed two questionnaires: Basic Psychological Need Satisfaction and Frustration Scale, and Rosenberg self-esteem scale.ResultsAutonomy satisfaction was significantly higher in FC (n = 40, z = 5.520, p < .001), the same tendency was seen for Competence satisfaction in FC (n = 40, z = 5.122, p < .001). As for the frustration of all three needs, the statistical difference was observed for all three subscales between TC and FC. In FC, autonomy (n = 40, z = − 5.370, p < .001), relatedness (n = 40, z = 4.187, p < .001), and competence (n = 40, z = − 5.323, p < .001) frustration was significantly lower. Self-esteem was significantly higher in FC (n = 40, z = 5.528, p < .001). In TC self-esteem negatively correlated with autonomy frustration, (r(38) = − 0.430, p < .01), and competence frustration, (r(38) = − 0.379, p < .05). In FC, self-esteem positively correlated with autonomy satisfaction (r(38) = 0.316, p < .05), and competence satisfaction (r(38) = 0.429, p < .01).ConclusionsFC better fulfils students’ basic psychological needs, specifically needs for autonomy and competence, and self-esteem compared to TC. Collaborative work, and academic scaffolding, contributes to behavioural engagement of students in the learning process. FC with the main focus on students’ active involvement may better meet millennials’ needs. Implementing validated questionnaires to measure students’ psychological needs should become a regular practice in medical schools, specifically during the process of curriculum redesign.

Factors underpinning the adoption of a school-based growth mindset intervention: a qualitative study

ABSTRACT This qualitative study explores the motivations, barriers, and facilitators underpinning the adoption of the Mindset Teams programme in primary schools across Scotland. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 18 teachers across six Mindset Teams schools and 14 wider stakeholders working across local, regional, and national levels. Findings suggested underpinning factors across the socio-ecological model, with differential themes identified, including six supporting school motivations and ten spanning barriers and facilitators, across teacher and stakeholder data. Limitations, implications for school and educational psychology (EP) practice, and suggestions for future school-based mindset interventions are considered.

Любопитно и полезно за храните и напитките

The article presents a combined, shared pedagogical practice implemented in two parts: a shared project-based practice “Curious and useful tips for food and drink” in grade VIII and an extracurricular school practice “Week of healthy foods and nutrition” for high school students. The practice is a way to inform, increase competences, build a model for a critical choice of food and drinks and for a balanced, complete, high-quality, regular and healthy diet of teenagers. Students learn to use digital health and energy calculator applications, calculate BMI (body mass index) and BEE (basal energy metabolism), determine their health status in relation to food and nutrition, combine foods correctly, create personal nutrition programs, select foods according to your blood type and their color. In “Healthy Foods and Nutrition Week”, students participate in various competitions, learn about the science of nutrition, carving techniques, design and presentation of healthy foods and traditional foods from European countries. The practice builds up the knowledge, skills and habits of the students of Professional School of Design “Elisaveta Vazova” for healthy eating and a healthy lifestyle.

Involving Hispanic Parents at School: A Mixed-Methods Evaluation of the Parents + Schools = Successful Children Program

ABSTRACT Parent’s involvement in their children’s education has been shown to have a positive impact on student outcomes, including academic achievement, attitude toward school, and skill development. However, there is limited research exploring how to help Hispanic parents become more involved in their children’s schooling. There are more than 13.8 million Hispanic students in public elementary and secondary schools. Due to the increase in Hispanic students within the U.S. there is a need to better understand and support their parents’ involvement in schools. This study evaluated the effectiveness of the Parents + Schools = Successful Children (PSSC) program on the involvement of 19 hispanic parents at an urban elementary school. This study used a mixed-methods design with concurrent triangulation to evaluate the effectiveness and social validity of the program. Results indicated that PSSC improved the overall level of involvement by helping parents improve reading in the home, increase their understanding of the school system, and be more involved in their child’s school. Additionally, the program was viewed as socially valid and helpful according to parents and program teachers. The significance of these results is discussed, as well as study limitations and suggestions for school practices that may encourage Hispanic parent involvement.

A critical race feminist research-informed agenda that centres African American girls in school principal research and practice

ABSTRACT The purpose of this article is to present five areas for research and school leadership practice that centre African American girls. An analysis of critical race feminist research published in peer-reviewed articles yielded five themes for inclusive and affirming leadership research and practices: (1) Centring African American girls’ and their families’ voices, identities and lived experiences in school visioning and decision-making; (2) Enacting a school culture to ensure access to rigorous curriculum that centers African American girls’ lived experiences; (3) Cultivating emotionally safe school environments; (4) Dismantling inequitable discipline policies and practices and creating physically safe school environments and (5) Ensuring professional learning that centers critical race feminisms and builds educator capacity to affirm African American girls. To underscore the importance of centring African American girls in principal practice, these areas are aligned with culturally responsive school leader behaviours.

Evaluating Exercise as Punishment: Insights from the Delphi Method on Philippine School Practices

Abstract The study aimed to identify consensus among PE experts on using exercise as punishment (EAP) in Philippine schools. The study adopted a two-round Delphi method. In the first round, a survey with open-ended questions prompted experts to identify as many reasons as possible for the use of EAP in schools. This format gave the experts a more significant role in responding, as they could identify crucial themes related to EAP usage and then refine them into meaningful categories. The second round of the survey asked the experts to rank these identified factors based on their perceived importance. Based on the experts’ agreement, “EAP as a disciplinary tool” was ranked as the most significant dimension in the use of EAP in schools. Further factors impacting its use, including social pressure, physical health benefits, its connection to establishing authority, academic performance, athletic performance, and a lack of understanding about alternative disciplinary measures, were also identified. Despite its documented harms, the use of EAP persists in Philippine schools. This study reveals a complex web of drivers, including a persistent belief in EAP’s disciplinary effectiveness, external pressures for “tough” approaches, and a lack of awareness of positive alternatives. These factors create a cycle of conformity in which student well-being could suffer. To break this cycle, schools must prioritize fostering positive teacher-student relationships, equipping teachers, leaders, and staff with effective disciplinary strategies, and challenging misguided narratives around EAP’s supposed merits.