Like many schools, e3 Civic High, a public charter school in San Diego, needed help re-engaging students and boosting in-person communication skills after a year of online schooling during the pandemic. Also, administrators at the school place a high priority on student wellbeing. By using EduGuide, the school has been addressing these goals and improving classroom management.
Students and teachers, known as “scholars” and “learning facilitators” at e3 Civic, connect online via the EduGuide platform. Students learn one new EduGuide success skill each week, respond to writing prompts about what they are learning. Then, they choose a mentoring challenge to help another person with that skill. Teachers review their students’ responses and provide mentoring and coaching comments to guide growth and build relationships.
“For building the connection between teacher and student, EduGuide is the easiest, most noninvasive, approach anyone can take to develop relationships,” said Paul Smith, e3’s director of wellness and clinical services.
E3 students use EduGuide during their advisory period, where they have the same teacher throughout their four years.
“Scholars were already connecting with their advisory learning facilitator online with EduGuide, which made the transition back to the classroom easier,” Smith explained. “Having that consistency helps the learning facilitator build bonds with their scholars, learn more about them, and make connections. In turn, scholars learn how to talk to adults, advocate for themselves, and develop healthy communication skills.”
Those connections help students feel more comfortable speaking up for themselves, addressing difficult topics, and trusting that their teachers have their back. And that creates a smoother educational experience.
“When trust and respect are established, classroom management is easier,” said Craig Bowden, e3’s interim director of scholar support and administration. “Students who feel heard are more willing to listen.”
Bowden noted that the key growth indicators rated by students highlight traits that contribute to a successful classroom environment. Things like completing more schoolwork, being more prepared for class, and listening better to feedback help classes run more smoothly.
“It builds academic outcomes, too,” said Bowden, pointing out student-reported increases in attendance, grades, and test scores.
DeAndrei Sanders, dean of student support, says that EduGuide shows e3’s scholars that their teachers are working “for the good of the students,” using positive relationships to manage and reinforce classroom expectations. Hear more from Sanders in this video.
To learn more, schedule a meeting with an EduGuide Results Coach.
Related:
Creating a Positive School Climate
Strengthening Students’ Wellbeing
