CORE at SMU

Scientific evidence links happiness for school-aged children to improved learning, teaching, and overall school well-being. UNESCO, a United Nations organization, believes that education should encourage feelings of happiness, safety, and well-being.

Why the world needs happy schools UNESCO has developed the ‘Happy Schools’ initiative to place happiness at the core of education transformation. The initiative encourages education systems to recognize happiness as both a means to

Meet Dr. Celeste Fernandez. Celeste is a Lead Analyst and Evaluation Manager at CORE.

A new study from WestEd highlights an informal learning intervention that utilizes play to support gains in math.

The Impact of NBA Math Hoops on Students’ Math Achievement: A Randomized Controlled Trial Learn more about the impact of NBA Math Hoops on student math achievement through findings from a randomized controlled trial.

"The United States has made remarkable progress in expanding access to higher education, but progress has slowed, affordability challenges are intensifying, and opportunity gaps remain deeply entrenched. At a moment when programs supporting first-generation and low-income students are under unprecedented pressure, this report makes clear that the nation cannot afford to retreat from its commitment to educational opportunity.” hashtag hashtag hashtag hashtag
https://www.pellinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Full-Report_Pell-Institute-2026-Indicators.pdf

Join us for a discussion on young men's postsecondary success on May 28 at 6:00 pm, led by CORE's Advancing Evaluation in Philanthropy Fellow, Tim Lindsey. The event will bring together speakers from across the Dallas community who are committed to supporting young people's educational and career paths. Project participants will join the conversation that will explore insights and experiences that contribute to postsecondary achievement and long-term success for young men.

Meet Dr. Annie Wright, the Executive Director at CORE.

Congratulations to the new alumni of the SMU Simmons School of Education and Human Development. Well done!

CORE’s AEP Fellows Timothy Lindsey and Noadiah William are attending the Council on Foundation's Building Together conference in Seattle, Washington. The immersive leadership development conference features powerful plenary and peer-led sessions and skill-building workshops, all designed to help attendees learn, process, and practice in real time. The conference runs from May 4-7, 2026.

Meet Renee Llanes, APL Lead Instructional Coach at CORE!

What works in college advising? A recent report from Annenberg Institute provides insight. hashtag hashtag
https://lnkd.in/dBSbb4Kg