Results from the CEI Interests Survey

Hallie Williams, CEI Research Assistant

In light of the leadership change earlier this year, the Center for Educational Improvement issued a survey to better understand our readers’ interests. This data will help shape our future projects so we can better address our community’s needs and interests.  

Thank you to everyone who took the time to participate in our survey – we truly appreciate it! We had 48 complete responses, and here are the results and a forecast for what is to come for CEI’s focuses in 2024 and beyond.  

CEI’s Current Initiatives 

As might be expected of our community, many of you all are currently, or were previously, involved in advancing compassionate heart centered learning (64%), combating educator burnout (62%), and supporting student emotional regulation (60%). A smaller number of you are currently, or were previously, involved in implementing mindfulness, meditation, and yoga in schools (43%). 

Only 32% of participants indicated that they were familiar with or participating in our Compassionate School Leadership Academy (CSLA) and the School-Compassionate Culture Analytical Tool for Educators (S-CCATE). Moving forward, we will provide more information on these initiatives.  

• CSLA aims to prepare school leaders in high-need districts to be culturally responsive and proactive in implementing trauma-conscious practices in the classroom and meet the urgent mental health needs of American children. 
• S-CCATE is a social emotional learning tool that helps educators to vision, plan, and monitor progress toward the implementation of compassionate, trauma-informed practices in classrooms. 

Read more.

CEI Cultivating Happiness Book Study Sessions

Nicole Benquechea, Social Media Specialist & Research Assistant, and Hallie Williams, Research Assistant

Cultivating Happiness in Schools is a new initiative from the Center for Educational Improvement that aims to promote happiness and well-being among students and teachers through meditation, mindfulness, yoga, and peer mentorship. The project highlights the importance of mental health and happiness through creating positive and productive learning environments. Read more about our project here.  

Understanding the Need for Cultivating Happiness 

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted the mental health and well-being of many children and youth, leaving them struggling with disrupted academic development and self-regulation. As a result of these challenges, some students have fallen two to three years behind academically (American Psychological Association, 2021).  

The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the Children's Hospital Association have jointly declared a national emergency regarding children's mental health (American Academy of Pediatrics, 2021). Many students struggle to regulate their emotions and lack essential well-being skills. Some may become overwhelmed with stress when faced with a difficult exam or assignment, while others may struggle to manage their anxiety in social situations. Additionally, some students lack the necessary skills to maintain good physical health, such as proper nutrition and exercise habits. 

Yoga, mindfulness, and meditation have positive effects on emotional and mental health in schools, reducing stress, anxiety, and depression (Biegel et al., 2009). Studies show that incorporating yoga, mindfulness, and meditation into school curricula can improve emotional regulation, self-awareness, and executive functioning skills (Flook et al., 2010; Schonert-Reichl & Lawlor, 2010). By learning and integrating these skills into their regular routines, students are better equipped to deal with the challenges they face both inside and outside the classroom. 

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Empowering Tomorrow's Leaders: Fostering Youth Leadership through Yoga and Mindfulness

Chandni Lal, CEI Research Assistant

Today's world faces a myriad of challenges, including climate change, political instability, and socioeconomic inequality. Now more than ever it’s important to invest in developing youth leadership so we can cultivate a generation of informed, empowered individuals ready to tackle the challenges of tomorrow. Leadership initiatives aim to equip youth leaders with the necessary tools to navigate challenges and drive positive change in their communities. 

One powerful leadership tool that stands out but tends to be overlooked is the integration of yoga to nurture effective leadership skills. This holistic method reinforces compassion, resilience, and self-awareness, which are key skills one should embody in order to lead effectively. 

Yoga’s Benefits and Leadership Connections

At its core, leadership is the ability to influence others. By immersing youth in leadership development, societies can cultivate values and skills that not only support their effective contribution to humanity but also their overall development from an early age. Integrating mindfulness and yoga into existing leadership programs can enhance current youth leadership initiatives' effectiveness. So, what effective leadership skills can mindfulness and yoga nurture?

Emotional Intelligence: Leadership often entails navigating high-pressure situations and dealing with diverse personalities. Some aspects of emotionally intelligent leaders include...

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