Education Week is one of the most respected publications in education. They recently pulled together 46 independent studies, and when you boil it all down, the results point to one simple truth: everything we want to achieve in education comes back to teacher and student relationships.
Think about it. Strong relationships are linked to practically every outcome schools care about:
- Higher academic engagement
- Increased attendance
- Improved grades
- Fewer disruptive behaviors
- Lower suspensions and removals
- Reduced dropout rates
The list could go on, but the message is clear. If we want lasting impact in classrooms, it starts with the connections we build with students.
That is why the First Five exists, to give educators daily tools to connect, care, and build character in those crucial opening minutes of class. Because when the relationships are strong, everything else follows.
– Edtomorrow Team