Safe Learning Spaces

In a rapidly expanding charter network spanning Detroit and Chicago, YouthTruth data has become instrumental in driving targeted improvements. This network, focused on traditionally underserved students, leverages YouthTruth insights to inform school site plans, guide instructional and SEL coaching at the classroom level, and even shape annual accountability reports submitted to charter authorizers. This commitment to data-driven decision-making was put to the test during the unprecedented challenges of spring 2020 at the outset of the pandemic.

When emergency school closures disrupted traditional learning environments, the network turned to their YouthTruth data. What they discovered was alarming: 27% of their students expressed feeling unsafe at home, a stark contrast to earlier data and the responses from other schools. Digging deeper, the network uncovered a critical issue—many students lacked adult supervision at home due to essential workers among their parents.

Responding swiftly, the charter network transformed this insight into action. They established community centers, providing a safe and supervised space for students to engage in online learning amidst the pandemic’s uncertainties. This proactive approach not only addressed immediate concerns but also underscored the network’s commitment to the holistic well-being of its students.