Adult-Student Relationship Study Findings

This document is a study report focusing on adult-student relationships within K-12 educational settings. It outlines the barriers faced by educators, caregivers, and students in developing strong relationships. The study identifies three main types of barriers: youth-focused, staff-focused, and contextual barriers. Youth-focused barriers include challenges in engagement and trust, exacerbated by the impacts of Covid-19 and virtual learning. Staff-focused barriers highlight issues such as time constraints and a lack of culturally responsive skills among educators. Contextual barriers involve the challenges posed by systemic racism and inadequate family engagement. The report also discusses promising methods for addressing these barriers, emphasizing the importance of effective communication and culturally relevant curricula. The study aims to probe into the role of developmental relationships in navigating systemic barriers and advancing equity for students, with insights gathered from focus groups involving teachers, principals, and caregivers.