Implementing social-emotional skill development across a large district like Akron Public Schools takes intentional alignment and practical support. With multiple priorities and competing demands, it was often challenging for staff to consistently integrate these skills. Before CharacterStrong, efforts lacked a unifying framework, leaving schools to navigate different initiatives on their own.
In our latest podcast, host John Norlin sits down with Yvonne Culver, Director of School Counseling and Student Wellness, and Stephanie Hammond, Coordinator, School Counselors, both from Akron Public Schools. Listen below to hear how they successfully implemented social-emotional skill development across the district.
By creating a district-wide timeline and toolkit, Akron Public Schools aligned key competencies with classroom content and school-year events, making the work actionable for educators:
Developmentally aligned timelines for elementary, middle, and high school ensured students receive age-appropriate support.
Ready-to-use toolkits included lessons, worksheets, and classroom strategies, allowing teachers to implement skills without creating new materials.
Integration with classroom content helped teachers reinforce skills through everyday instruction, from sentence stems to projects.
Connection to school goals and data added accountability, linking implementation to climate goals and student feedback collected through the Transcend survey.
One leader reflected:
Early outcomes show strong engagement from staff and students. Teachers are actively seeking resources and using the tools provided, signaling buy-in and practical use in classrooms. The district can now measure impact by tracking implementation alongside student and family feedback, guiding tiered support where needed.
By aligning priorities, providing tools, and building in accountability, Akron Public Schools is turning social-emotional skill development from a concept on a poster into real, measurable classroom action—creating an environment where educators feel supported and students can thrive.
Want to see how CharacterStrong can support your district? Here’s how to get started:
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