Insights for Action Research Summary: Non Academic Supports

Over the past decade, TERA has tackled some of Tennessee’s most pressing educational
challenges. We’ve examined teacher retention and pipeline development, investigated principal and leadership effectiveness, explored strategic staffing, supported early-career educators, and analyzed the drivers of student learning and well-being. Our research has illuminated pathways to postsecondary readiness and shaped how educational leaders think about their work.

Over the next few months, we’re recapping our research, the insights that have emerged, and how evidence-driven collaboration continues to reshape educational policy and practice in our state. We’re excited to share this milestone, as we reflect on a decade of rigorous research and why this work matters.

• Key Insight #1:Universal supports, such as free school meals, improve student well-being while reducing stigma and administrative burden.
• Key Insight #2:School-based health services expand access to care and can improve students’ mental health outcomes.
• Key Insight #3:Unmet student mental health needs present a barrier to learning, requiring coordinated, school-based responses.
• Key Insight #4:Integrated student support models can improve coordination and better meet students’ academic and non-academic needs.
• Key Insight #5:Reducing administrative burden can increase access to programs that support student health and readiness to learn
• Key Insight #6:Clear, consistently implemented school policies on discipline and technology support better student engagement and classroom conditions.