Welcome to Playground Post, a bi-weekly newsletter that keeps education innovators ahead of what’s next.

Here’s what we have on deck for today…

1. Immigration fears create classroom learning barriers

2. Students learn to transform education systems

3. Digital tools change approach to emotional learning

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Immigration fears create classroom learning barriers

Schools report more empty desks and rising anxiety as immigration enforcement increases across the country. Research shows this stress directly impacts learning for all students, not just those from immigrant families.

"When there's fear in the classroom, when somebody is feeling anxious about their family, that impacts their friends, it impacts the classmates," explains Germán Cadenas from Rutgers University.

Studies show that children need to feel safe for their brains to engage in learning effectively.

The situation creates opportunities for education innovators to develop culturally responsive mental health resources and training programs that help schools create welcoming environments where all students can focus on learning.

Students learn to transform education systems

Missouri's Youth Activators program teaches high school students how school systems work – and how to change them.

Participants meet with school board candidates, learn education funding basics, and develop advocacy campaigns for issues they care about.

"We want students to imagine what school could be like," says Tiara Jordan-Sutton, who runs the program. "You can do something about that. Let me show you how."

Research shows students who believe they have a voice are seven times more likely to be academically motivated.

This highlights an opportunity for innovators to develop programs connecting youth with decision-makers, turning students from passive participants into active advocates for better schools.

Digital tools change approach to emotional learning

Schools nationwide are turning to digital platforms to teach students emotional skills, with adoption rising 29% since 2020.

Seven leading platforms are changing how schools approach social-emotional learning: CASEL, Greater Good in Education, Smiling Mind, Character Lab, Centervention, Emotionally Intelligent Schools, and MindUP. These tools offer everything from mindfulness exercises to interactive games that teach empathy and problem-solving.

Schools report these platforms help improve academic performance and reduce absenteeism.

For education innovators, the opportunity lies in developing measurement tools that connect emotional intelligence gains with specific academic outcomes and attendance improvements—showing exactly how these interventions transform learning environments.

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