Resources

Over the course of the California Safe and Supportive Schools (S3) Project, the California Department of Education gained valuable insights into strategies that are effective in improving school climate in some of the most challenged high schools in the state. This What Works Brief describes the S3 framework and summarizes six of the key lessons learned:

1. Go slow to move fast
2. School leaders set the tone
3. Empower adults and connect with young people
4. Focus on norms first
5. Prioritize meaningful actions and “quick wins”
6. Changing relationships and engagement takes time and commitment