About
The BELE Network
The Building Equitable Learning Environments (BELE) Network works with educators, policymakers, grantmakers, schools and school support organizations to innovate and implement equitable learning environments that are grounded in research and the science of learning and development. We’re educators and leaders who are committed to making educational equity a reality and working to transform our schools. We believe that we can create an equitable education system, and a nation, where everyone thrives and belongs.
THE BELE FRAMEWORK
The BELE Framework is a guide for transforming student experiences and outcomes. It’s designed to integrate across every part of the learning experience, from teaching and learning, schoolwide systems and structures, family, caregiver, and community partnerships, and district and state policies while anchoring students at the center.
TEACHING AND LEARNING
Research demonstrates that how young people experience their learning – including what and where they are taught – substantially impacts their ability to learn and grow. This domain focuses on creating meaningful relationships and engaging and meaningful learning experiences as the core work of an equitable school.
SCHOOLWIDE SYSTEMS AND STRUCTURES
Equitable, high-quality schools are organized to ensure that people, resources, and opportunities are prioritized and aligned to support the core work of Teaching & Learning.
FAMILY, CAREGIVER, AND COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS
Schools should belong to families and communities in service of nurturing their children’s learning and development. Research proves that trusting relationships, a shared vision, and authentic collaboration are at the heart of equitable schools and communities.
DISTRICT AND STATE POLICIES
Districts and states must set the conditions and expectations, and provide the resources to ensure that school communities can fulfill the core commitments in the first three domains.
Research and Practices
Members of the BELE Network are working towards equity at all levels of the education system — including through research, policy, and federal, state, and district partnerships. Learn more about the work being by BELE Network members:
Transcend Education
works with schools across the country to create custom and replicable equitable learning environments that meet the specific needs of their students.
The Kingmakers of Oakland
take a multifaceted approach to creating healthy, affirming learning environments that help Black boys thrive. With an approach of “healing the fish and treating the toxic ecosystem,” the Kingmakers are…
Latest News
In December, Transcend Education and the American Association of School Superintendents (AASA) led their second webinar in the “Road to Reinvention” series. Edgecombe County Superintendent Dr. Valerie Bridges shared how…
At the intersection of multiple crises, how we show up to support our students matters. In order to fully embrace social and emotional learning as a practice, it’s important that…
As school has moved to a virtual setting, we’ve begun to see how school systems are adapting and evolving curriculum to fit new learning environments. As education practices change and…
In the coming months, our schools will continue to make decisions that affect the trajectory of student learning and the student experience for countless young people across the country. Instead…
Turnaround For Children has released a comprehensive suite of tools to build a school crisis plan that supports school leaders and educators as remote learning continues. One of the most…
By The BELE NetworkIn September, BELE Network Learning Partners, Camille Farrington of the UChicago Consortium on School Research and Dave Paunesku of PERTS, led a webinar explaining the BELE framework and…
The BELE Network October Event RoundupBy The BELE NetworkAs schools, districts, and communities have navigated the return to school we have realized a simple and critical truth — the challenges presented by COVID-19 and…
Transcend Education and the Christensen Institute Releases Research Database for Innovative Learning ResourcesBy The BELE NetworkDuring a time where school leaders and educators are tasked with responsibility to evolve education practices…
How RISE Colorado is elevating the voices of families and empowering them to lead the charge for equity in educationBy The BELE NetworkThis is a part of our ongoing series on…
How the RYSE Youth Center is Centering the Youth Voice to Reimagine School SafetyBy The BELE NetworkThis will is a part of our ongoing series on organizations that are amplifying the voices…
Rectifying exclusionary discipline practices in schoolsBy The BELE NetworkIn schools across the country, girls of color face some of the greatest barriers to educational opportunities. They are often disproportionately disciplined for subjective…
By the BELE NetworkThis is part two in a series that features the fearless young people, especially Black and Brown youth, who are reimagining schools as inclusive communities and advocating for…
Perhaps more so than ever before, budget priorities and the distribution of resources will dictate our experience in a post-COVID world, and our schools will certainly feel the ripple effects…
Research shows social-emotional learning has a demonstrable effect on school climate, student behavior and academic performance. It is a growing priority for educators who are committed to creating equitable learning…
COVID-19 has disrupted the lives of millions of students across the country, but perhaps none feel this crisis as acutely as undocumented students experiencing homelessness, who may have difficulty accessing…
As COVID-19 sweeps the country creating massive uncertainty in its wake, our friends at the National Equity Project have maintained their devotion to an honest, clear-eyed assessment of where we…
How a team of New York teachers are authentically connecting with their students and increasing engagement during a pandemic.
Learn how EL Education and their district partners were able to ensure that each of their students remain connected to their learning, even amidst a global pandemic.
All across the United States, schools and districts are navigating a bumpy transition to distance learning in response to COVID-19. The move from classrooms to remote-learning environments has exposed countless…
Spring is typically filled with rites of passage for high school students, from prom, to AP tests, to college acceptances and graduations. But for millions of students this year, all…
