Fostering Connectedness in the Pandemic Era: Policy Recommendations to Support Social, Emotional, and Academic Development

These recommendations were developed by the Aspen Institute Education & Society Program, informed by a diverse group of education leaders that included students, families, advocates, district leaders, state chiefs, researchers, think tanks, funders, and policymakers convened on April 29, 2020. This resource is designed to help state education leaders identify potential actions focused on fostering social and emotional development and school connectedness and is not intended to offer one-size-fits-all recommendations.

Social distancing and school closures forced by the COVID-19 pandemic present extraordinary challenges for education. In the period of immediate crisis response, education leaders acted quickly to provide meals, digital devices, and help foster internet connectivity to meet urgent needs. While we are only just beginning to understand the impact of the last few months and what the months ahead will mean for students, families, and educators, we do know that the depth of students’ connectedness to school and the quality of their relationships with adults and peers in school are critical to learning and thriving in life. Nurturing relationships in school provide a buffer against stress and trauma. Routines like regular time for learning and eating meals are also a tool to build trust. Together, healthy relationships and routines undergird the development of resilience, which is needed to engage successfully in academics and in life beyond school. These dimensions of student well-being and readiness-to-learn are under tremendous strain due to the dislocation from routines and relationships brought about by school building closures, by growing unemployment, stress and uncertainty. Therefore, state leaders need to prioritize universal supports — as all students rely on schools for stability and safety — as well as specific strategies and supports for students who have experienced more acute stress and trauma.