Overview
At this moment, practitioners can see what research and science have been telling us for some time: the concepts of equity, excellence, and well-being are an interrelated sequence of efforts.
Natalie Walrond Director, Resilient and Healthy Schools and Communities
Children thrive when they learn and develop in environments that support their social, emotional, cognitive, and physical well-being.
At WestEd, we promote a whole-person, whole-systems approach to building resilient and healthy schools and communities across all levels of K-12 education and other child- and youth-serving systems.
Using research-based best practices, we offer technical assistance and professional learning, surveys and measures, product and resource creation, and research and evaluation.
Our expertise helps our partners:
- Support responsive, safe, and equitable school climate and culture
- Enhance social and emotional learning and development
- Encourage self and community care for educators and other adults
- Promote community resilience and well-being
When conditions are in place to support equitable learning and development, children and youth thrive in important ways—by cultivating a sense of purpose, building healthy relationships, and engaging as active citizens within their communities.
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Featured Experts
Natalie WalrondNatalie Walrond is the Director for the Resilient and Healthy Schools and Communities content area at WestEd. Walrond also leads the vision, strategic direction, and external engagement for the national Center to Improve Social and Emotional Learning and School Safety at WestEd. Walrond regularly speaks and writes on topics related to serving the whole person, social and emotional well-being, alignment and coherence, and equity.View Full Bio
Tom HansonTom Hanson is the Director of the California School Climate, Health, and Learning Surveys (CalSCHLS) and conducts rigorous research on the effectiveness of programs, products, and practices intended to improve student outcomes. He is a lead methodologist for several studies examining the impacts of education interventions.View Full Bio
Christina PateChristina Pate is the Deputy Director of the national Center to Improve Social and Emotional Learning and School Safety. Her work focuses on fostering adult well-being, cultivating stakeholder voice and co-design, centering equity, promoting trauma-informed practices and resilience, and improving cross-sector collaboration to improve outcomes for individuals and systems.View Full Bio
Rebeca CernaRebeca Cerna’s work supports districts, schools, and community partners in centering equity and improving educational, prevention, and health outcomes. Her areas of expertise include health and wellness, school culture and climate, stakeholder voice, data use, and cross-sector collaboration.View Full Bio
WestEd Bulletin
Stay up to date with the latest WestEd news, events, research, and leading voices to support your commitment to improving learning, healthy development, and equity in schools and communities.
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Black Students Twice As Likely To Be Suspended From Lansing School District, Audit Finds
Insights & Impact / September 3, 2024
WestEd conducted an equity audit for Lansing School District and found racial disparities in discipline, academic achievement, access to AP courses, and general treatment of students. -
Thriving Schools Go the Extra Mile to Welcome and Bond With Parents and Families
Back to School / August 29, 2024
Schools that strive to create a sense of belonging can proactively work with families to overcome attendance barriers. Family engagement expert Maria Paredes shares practical strategies for creating welcoming spaces. -
California Center for School Climate Director Named Senior Director of Resilient and Healthy Schools and Communities Team at WestEd
News / August 14, 2024
Rebeca Cerna, formerly the Director of the California Center for School Climate (CCSC) at WestEd, has been named the Senior Director for the agency’s Resilient and Healthy Schools and Communities work. In her new role, Cerna supports districts, schools, and community partners in centering equity and inclusion, and strengthening educational, prevention, and health outcomes.
