Meeting The Needs of Students
Every day, students come to school for one thing and that is to learn. What if they are not ready to learn? Why would we even ask this? This statement is asking about whether or not the student is mentally or physically able to “do it today.” Their experiences outside of school (whether they have access to food, stable housing, hygiene resources, or emotional support) directly influence how they show up and learn each day. So, why does this matter? When these foundational needs are unmet, the effects are seen quickly and repeatable. The student may have decreased focus, inconsistent attendance, increased behavioral challenges, and more issues arise as the academic year goes by. As educator leaders, recognizing this reality quickly can assist in classroom conflict.
To emphasize the importance of meeting students’ basic needs, the following video provides a powerful example of how these factors influence student learning and behavior by seeing how a teacher does check-ins with her students. Check it out below:
This video reinforces the idea that students cannot fully engage in academic tasks when they are experiencing unmet needs. It demonstrates how these challenges can appear in the classroom and how the teacher addresses (or supports) these needs.
Rather than presenting this information in a traditional format, I designed an infographic to communicate these needs clearly and visually. Check it out below:
In creating this graphic, I was able to make the message more accessible to educators and stakeholders in a quicker and easier manner. Designing this infographic required intentional decisions in planning, researching, and designing. Jones and Kennedy (2023) explain that digital leaders must use technology strategically to communicate priorities and shape school culture. In this case, the infographic serves as a tool for advocacy, helping to bring attention to needs that may otherwise go unnoticed. By organizing information into clear categories and presenting it visually, the message becomes more immediate and impactful for a wider audience.
Recent scholarly research supports the importance of meeting these needs. Schwartz et al. (2024) found that schools implementing integrated student support systems (such as including access to food programs, mental health services, and basic care resources) experienced improvements in attendance, behavior, and the overall school climate. These findings suggest that when schools intentionally address non-academic barriers, students are more likely to feel supported and engaged. Similarly, Reardon et al. (2023) highlight how external factors such as socioeconomic conditions and access to resources significantly impact educational outcomes. Their research reinforces the idea that addressing students’ basic needs is not separate from academic success but is a critical part of it.
Connection to OPL Record
To make a connection with this researched activity in accordance with my OPL log required for the Instructional Technology Program, I chose Standard 3E, serving as the leader. Standard 3E states, “Maintain safety of students and staff.” As a leader of peers, I created ways to educate, maintain, and (one day) enforce the safety of all students and faculty members. Through completing this work, I have come to understand safety as more than physical protection. It also includes creating an environment where students feel stable, supported, and ready to learn. By creating an infographic to support these findings, I provided a clear and accessible way to communicate how unmet needs can influence both student behavior and the school climate by advocating for change. As Jones and Kennedy (2023) note, digital tools are most effective when they are used to influence decision-making and support school improvement efforts. Through the use of digital tools such as infographics, leaders (like myself) can communicate messages effectively.
Conclusion
When students experience unmet needs, it can impact both their individual well-being and the overall classroom environment. Addressing these not only helps support the students but also supports the faculty members of your school as well. By addressing these needs, schools take a proactive role in meeting the needs of every student. By creating this infographic, I was able to work with digital tools to convey a message addressing the safety (and well-being) of students and staff.
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