Back-to-school season brings hope and excitement for students, parents, and educators, with a shared desire for the safety and well-being of all learners and support for their success.

This Back-to-School Spotlight explores resources to support healthy conditions for positive well-being and improved outcomes, including educator well-being and school climate.

Serving the Whole Child, Whole Person, and Whole Community

Teacher and studentAt WestEd, we understand that educators and schools need evidence-based, innovative, and creative teaching and learning approaches to meet today’s unique challenges. Our experts are available to collaborate with your schools and systems to apply rigorous research proven to improve outcomes for students, teachers, families, and communities in the upcoming year.

Visit our Back-to-School page to access resources and services for the new school year.

Online Support Helps With Managing Emotions

Virtual Be Well SpaceThe Be Well website offers educators easy-to-use tools, including meditation and yoga videos, for fostering calm and well-being in the face of stress during the exciting but overwhelming return to school every fall. Be Well was created by the California Center for School Climate, a California Department of Education initiative led by WestEd, to provide youth-serving adults with research-based strategies, supports, and ideas for self-regulation and coping with stress.

Access the Virtual Be Well Space.

How Students Can Help Shape School Climate Policy and Practice

Leading Voices PodcastMany schools are working to better support students’ physiological, social, and emotional growth in addition to their cognitive development as a part of their school improvement efforts. Moreover, students are playing a pivotal role in helping education leaders develop and implement new policies and practices.

In this episode, Danny Torres (host) and Grace Westermann (cohost) talk with Rebeca Cerna, Director for the California Center for School Climate (CCSC), and special guest Julian Berkowitz-Sklar, a graduating senior at Saratoga High School in California and a member of the Center’s Youth Advisory Team.

Listen to the podcast.

Subscribe to the E-Bulletin

E-Bulletin Social Share ImageStay informed about WestEd’s research, resources, services, events, and career opportunities by subscribing to our E-Bulletin. Our August 2023, Volume One issue explores how to create safe and supportive environments for students and the whole school community. The issue features the following:

  • Meeting the Needs of the Whole Child, Person, and Community
  • Online Support Helps Youth-Serving Adults Manage Emotions
  • How Students Can Help Shape School Climate Policy and Practice
  • What Does School Safety Look Like? Students Speak
  • 6 Practical Tips for Building Cultures of Care
  • Create Safe and Supportive Learning Environments
  • 4 Strategies for Effective Math Instruction and Achievement
  • Navigate Stress and Trauma to Support Children and Youth

View the latest E-Bulletin.

Follow Us on Social Media

As the school year begins, in what ways is your state, district, or school working to promote safe and healthy conditions for positive well-being and improved outcomes? Join the dialogue with us on TwitterFacebook, and LinkedIn.