GCI

Great Cities Institute at the University of Illinois at Chicago

Faculty Scholar Detail, 2004-2005

Roger Weissberg
Professor, Department of Psychology
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Promoting the Social, Emotional, and Academic Learning of Urban Children

The overarching goal for Dr. Weissberg during his year as a GCI Faculty Scholar was to work with his colleagues at the Collaborative for Academic, Social and Emotional Learning (CASEL) towards the transformation of education in Illinois, by making social and emotional learning an essential part of kindergarten through high school education. Specifically, during the 2004-2005 academic year, Weissberg worked to

1) establish accountability systems, including standards, grade-level benchmarks, and assessment indicators, for children�s social, emotional, character, and health behaviors;

2) develop standards and indicators for the effective school practices that yield positive outcomes for children and set up accountability and support systems that encourage these practices;

3) produce evidence indicating that high-quality school practices can be well-implemented and sustained, and that they promote improved social, behavioral, character, health, and academic outcomes; and

4) prepare a tool kit for educational leaders with a wealth of science and practice knowledge and tools tested and found useful in collaborating sites.

The Great Cities Institute Faculty Scholars Program brings UIC faculty to the institute for a year in residence to begin, further, or complete an engaged research project. Scholars are free from their formal teaching responsibilities during their term. Prospective scholars apply by submitting a proposal that is peer reviewed along three key metrics of engaged research: interdisciplinarity, partnership, and impact.

GCI Faculty Scholars implement and further their own research agendas, as well as develop grant proposals, participate in the Great Cities Institute Lecture Series, and contribute to the Great Cities Institute Working Paper Series. Applications are released in the fall semester and due at the start of the spring semester.