IS: Interim Student, Student & Family Belonging in Schools

Posting Summary:
The Department of Reimagining Educational Achievement Coalition of Harlem (REACH) is seeking a Student Interim

Job Summary/Basic Function:
The Reimagining Educational Achievement Coalition of Harlem (REACH) within the Gordon Institute of Advance Study at Teachers College, Columbia University, aims to improve students’ academic, social-emotional, and wellness outcomes by designing and implementing a coherent, intentional, and sustainable community school model in our partner schools.

REACH is seeking a Student Interim to support the organization’s emerging focus on student and family belonging and its relationship to school engagement, attendance, and student success. The Student Interim will conduct a comprehensive review of existing research, frameworks, and measurement tools to help establish a research-informed foundation for REACH’s evolving strategic direction.

JOB SUMMARY/BASIC JOB FUNCTION
Under the supervision of the REACH Director, the Student Interim will conduct and synthesize research related to student and family belonging in K–12 educational settings. The Student Interim will examine definitions and theoretical frameworks of belonging, evidence-based practices for strengthening belonging, and existing tools and indicators used to measure belonging.

The Interim Student will help translate findings into practical recommendations that can inform REACH’s community school model, programming, partnerships, evaluation strategies, and future research agenda. A particular emphasis of the position will be helping REACH determine how student and family belonging can be meaningfully defined and measured across its partner schools and programs.

CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Literature Review & Research (50%)
• Conduct a comprehensive literature review related to student belonging, family belonging, school connectedness, engagement, attendance, and student outcomes.
• Identify major theories, conceptual frameworks, and definitions of belonging within K–12 education.
• Examine research on the relationship between belonging and attendance, engagement, academic outcomes, social-emotional development, and students’ overall school experiences.
• Review literature related to family belonging, family-school relationships, and meaningful family engagement.
• Identify evidence-based practices and school-based strategies associated with strengthening student and family belonging.
• Develop and maintain an organized annotated bibliography of relevant scholarly literature, reports, frameworks, and resources.

Measurement & Evaluation (30%)
• Identify and review existing surveys, scales, indicators, assessment tools, and other methods used to measure student and family belonging.
• Compare existing measurement approaches and assess their potential relevance to REACH partner schools and programs.
• Identify potential indicators that REACH could use to understand changes in student and family belonging over time.
• Explore opportunities to connect belonging measures with existing REACH data related to attendance, participation, engagement, and program outcomes.
• Support the development of recommendations for a REACH approach to measuring belonging.
• Identify opportunities for future research and evaluation related to belonging across REACH partner schools.

Research Synthesis & Strategic Support (15%)
• Prepare accessible summaries of research findings for the REACH Director and other stakeholders.
• Synthesize major definitions, theories, frameworks, measurement approaches, and evidence-based practices into practical resources.
• Assist in developing a research-informed framework for how REACH defines and approaches student and family belonging.
• Translate findings into recommendations for REACH programming, partnerships, evaluation, and organizational strategy.
• Support the development of presentations, reports, and other materials communicating research findings and recommendations.

Other Duties as Assigned (5%)

Documents required for consideration:
• Resume
• Cover letter
*Applications with missing documents will not be considered

Please note:
*This position is not eligible for tuition credits.

Scheduling
Student work schedules are based on the needs of the department and the student’s academic schedule. Students should discuss their schedules with the hiring manager/supervisor during the interview process. Hiring managers/supervisors will make every attempt to accommodate students’ needs.

Work Limitations
During the academic year, students may not hold appointments or any combination of appointments totaling more than 27 hours per week (International students may work up to 20 hours). Interim Student (IS) may hold other non-exempt positions (i.e. FWS, CA, AF) and must not exceed the maximum total allowable 27 hours per week. IS cannot hold a TA or RA position simultaneously with their IS position.

Student Learning Outcomes
Student employees will have the opportunity to develop and/or build on the following competencies while working in this position:
• Career and Self-Development
• Leadership
• Professionalism
• Communication
• Teamwork
• Critical Thinking
• Technology (Software or equipment)

Minimum Qualifications:
• Currently enrolled in a graduate program in education, sociology, psychology, social work, education policy, human development, research methods, or a related field.
• Experience conducting academic literature reviews and searching scholarly databases.
• Strong academic writing, synthesis, research, and analytical skills.
• Ability to organize and communicate complex research findings clearly.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Interest in educational equity, community schools, student engagement, belonging, and/or family-school partnerships.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and/or Google Workspace

Preferred Qualifications:
• Experience with qualitative and/or quantitative education research.
• Experience with survey development, educational measurement, or program evaluation.
• Familiarity with research related to school belonging, school connectedness, student engagement, attendance, or family engagement.
• Experience developing annotated bibliographies, literature reviews, research briefs, or similar scholarly products.
• Interest in translating academic research into practical recommendations for schools and educational organizations.

Salary Range:

$30/hr

Work Modality:

Student Employee - Onsite