Evidence shows academic and social emotional learning must happen together, and others are looking to SSN as a model of how to build partnerships that get us there.

SSN is a community of diverse schools and nonprofits who acknowledge their differences, but pool their knowledge and strengths to put all students on a path to success. SSN’s Collabs, small groups of practitioners that meet monthly to achieve shared goals, are spaces where this collaboration happens.

I see this blog as a way of sharing these ideas with and beyond the Network and our thought partners and seeing which ideas you respond to, how you add to them and make them better. In that vein, here’s what I’m thinking about right now.

At SSN, the solution is almost always “in the room.” The SSN Innovates Expo is SSN’s year-end event designed to bring together in one "room" members and other leaders to share their solutions to big challenges.

In 2015, Student Success Network began to partner with the Research Alliance for New York City Schools, who brought a commitment to SEL and deep roots in NYC. Together, we wanted to create a truly collaborative, unique relationship that leverages the different but equally valuable expertise of practitioners, researchers, and youth.

This network is all about solutions. Whether you are strengthening relationships with students or encouraging growth mindsets, the Think Tank was a day for all members to share and be proud of the progress they’ve made while taking back some new tools.