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
On April 22nd, the BELE Network hosted a webinar led by Bethany Little of EducationCounsel and LaShawn Chatmon of the National Equity Project to discuss how the strategic investment of…
The Student Experience Research Network (SERN) and EduColor co-sponsored an installment of Just Equation’s “Mathematics of Opportunity” series in February. Moderated by Nicole Beechum of the University of Chicago Consortium…
The Society for Research on Educational Effectiveness (SREE) continued its virtual convening, Examining Education Research through the 2020 Lens, with a conversation on “Confronting New and Persistent Equity Challenges: What…
In February, Transcend Education and AASA hosted an installment of their Roads to Reinvention webinar series on equitably responding, recovering, and reinventing school systems.The webinar featured Superintendent Scott Muri from Ector…
How following the lead of young people can dismantle inequities in educationBy The BELE NetworkThe Communities for Just Schools Fund (CJSF) kicked off its #ReclaimSEL webinar series on February 3, 2021…
By Dr. Sasha Rabkin of Equal Opportunity Schools & The BELE NetworkIn the past few months, Equal Opportunity Schools (EOS) has been recognized for its work to center racial and economic…
By The BELE Network“Imagine a world where every child’s life is a succession of opportunities — opportunities where children come to know who they are and discover who they could become. Imagine learning…
By The BELE Networkhttps://medium.com/media/8297d178c16116ccaa3a19ed8a93ce45/hrefIn 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…
UMOJA’s Resources to Support the SEL Needs of StudentsBy The BELE NetworkAt the intersection of multiple crises, how we show up to support our students matters. In order to fully embrace social…
Student Engagement Strategies That Go Beyond ZoomBy The BELE NetworkPhoto by Julia M Cameron from PexelsAs school has moved to a virtual setting, we’ve begun to see how school systems are adapting and…
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…
By The BELE NetworkIn 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…
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…
