The April session, "Connecting the Dots between Science, Stress and Student Development," was led by Dr. Gisele Shorter of Turnaround for Children. 

Adversity isn’t something that just happens to children, it happens inside their brains and bodies through the biological mechanisms of stress. Children living in poverty often endure stress from adverse experiences, such as exposure to violence, loss of a loved one or homelessness. The good news is the brain is malleable. Science offers reasons for optimism for schools struggling to educate children growing up with adversity.

Research has shown that supportive, buffering relationships with adults can prevent and even reverse the negative effects of prolonged exposure to stress. Schools can be designed to become supportive, trustful environments for children, where they can develop the skills and mindsets that are requisite for success in school, work and life.

During the session our viewers learned about Building Blocks for Learning, a research-based framework for the development of skills students need for success in school and life. Intentionally building these skills and mindsets can put all children on a path toward healthy development and academic achievement.