The idea behind Universal Design for Learning is that students come to us with a unique mix of strengths, weaknesses, values, and lived experiences—and we need to honor these in our teaching.
Allowing students to take mental health days when they are struggling emotionally is a positive step but won't solve the wider crisis K-12 leaders are confronting.
There is one component of school safety we can control and that's making sure our buildings are as prepared as possible for active shooters and emergencies.