A meta-analysis of 70 years of research involving 2.6 million students found that strong student–teacher relationships lead to higher achievement, better behavior, stronger executive functioning, and improved well-being. A second meta-analysis showed SEL programs boosted academics by 8.4 percentile points. Relationships matter even more in adolescence, when belonging becomes a key driver of success. The research reaffirms: trust + high expectations = academic growth.
Research: Trust + high expectations = academic growth
by Michael Keany
yesterday
A Final Word on the Value of Relationships
A meta-analysis of 70 years of research involving 2.6 million students found that strong student–teacher relationships lead to higher achievement, better behavior, stronger executive functioning, and improved well-being. A second meta-analysis showed SEL programs boosted academics by 8.4 percentile points. Relationships matter even more in adolescence, when belonging becomes a key driver of success. The research reaffirms: trust + high expectations = academic growth.
Original Article
------------------------------
Prepared with the assistance of AI software
OpenAI. (2025). ChatGPT (4) [Large language model]. https://chat.openai.com