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Sara Whitcomb, professor of school psychology in the College of Education, has received a pair of awards for her recent book, “Bolstering Student Resilience: Creating a Classroom with Consistency, Connection, and Compassion.” Co-authored by Jason E. Harlacher, senior researcher at the American Institutes for Research, “Bolstering Student Resilience” received a silver medal from the Foreward Reviews 2022 Indie Book Awards and a bronze medal at the Independent Publisher Book Awards 2023.

“Bolstering Student Resilience” illustrates what consistency, connection and compassion – the cornerstones to helping students choose and practice successful behaviors and coping skills – look like in action. Drawing from classroom experience, the Whitcomb and Harlacher demystify the buzzwords to keep teachers focused on the right work. They present research supporting the ‘why’ behind this work, and allows readers to dive into specific strategies they can use immediately, including:
 

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• Create predictable, safe classrooms by establishing clear structures for routines, acknowledgment and discipline.
• Set limits and boundaries in the classroom while building skills through relationships.
• Allow flexibility and emotional space for students—particularly those with pronounced social, emotional or behavioral needs.
• Discover an approach to SEL that works across all frameworks and initiatives.
• Study the supportive discipline framework to replace detrimental behaviors with prosocial skills.
• Give feedback that supports consistency and builds connections.
• Provide support that matches a behavior’s function.

“Bolstering Student Resilience,” which published in April 2022, can be ordered online from publisher Marzano Resources.