July 25, 2025
EOS
This article originally appeared in Michigan Association of Secondary School Principals.
By Paul DeAngelis, Regional Director of Partnership Development
Data, Belonging, and the Future of Educational Equity
In Michigan and across the nation, schools are grappling with a persistent challenge: how to ensure that every student, regardless of background, has access to, and succeeds in, advanced academic opportunities. As schools plan for the 2025-26 year, the urgency to address gaps in access, engagement, and belonging has never been greater. Chronic absenteeism, disengagement, and underrepresentation in AP, IB, CTE, and Dual Credit programs are not just statistics; they’re missed opportunities for students and school communities alike.
The Power of Listening: Elevating Student Voice
Too often, decisions about advanced coursework are made without truly hearing from those most affected: our students. At EOS, we believe that elevating student voice is the first step toward lasting change. The partnership with schools begins by asking students about their experiences, aspirations, and sense of belonging. Over 2 million student surveys have revealed a powerful truth: when students feel seen, heard, and valued (THE pillars of student belonging!), their academic engagement and success soar.
Four Foundations of Belonging
EOS’s research highlights four “cues and conditions” essential for fostering student belonging and academic achievement:
- Culturally Relevant Curriculum: When students see their identities and histories reflected in what they learn, engagement and self-esteem rise. Curriculum that honors diverse perspectives not only empowers students but also directly correlates with better academic outcomes.
- Culturally Relevant Teaching: Teachers who leverage students’ backgrounds as assets, set high expectations, and encourage critical reflection create classrooms where every student feels respected and capable.
- Classroom Community: A strong classroom community is built on respect for all backgrounds and opportunities for students to express their values. Psychological safety and peer support are foundational for both belonging and academic risk-taking.
- Feedback and Assessment: Effective feedback is most impactful when it is timely, specific, and focused on guiding students toward improvement rather than simply judging performance. Research emphasizes that feedback should be perceived as useful and relevant by students, motivating them to act on it and engage in self-regulation and reflection ahead of assessments of learning.