BARR Center

BARR Center BARR helps educators better connect with students & address the issues that cause students to fail courses, drop out, and/or engage in harmful behavior.

Results: credits earned, GPAs, test scores ⬆️; failure rates, suspensions, absenteeism ⬇️. In 1998, Angela Jerabek was a ninth-grade school counselor frustrated by the stubbornly high failure rates of her students at St. Louis Park High School in Minnesota. She knew something had to change. So she quietly began researching and developing an innovative new school support model, and soon St. Louis P

ark began to implement, incubate, and perfect the Building Assets, Reducing Risks system known as BARR. In the two decades since, BARR has quietly become one of the most consistently-proven school improvement models in the country, working in schools big and small, urban and rural; schools in need of turnaround and those ready to make the leap from good to great. BARR is rooted in the belief that growth is possible and within reach for every school, with the same teachers and the same students. The BARR model uses eight interlocking strategies that facilitate real, meaningful relationships between adults and students. Guided by those relationships and real-time data, BARR educators are able to intervene with students at the right time, based on each student’s individual strengths and needs, to keep them on track. We look forward to connecting with you on the BARR Center page. Please note: Any inappropriate comments will be removed and addressed accordingly to uphold a respectful and professional environment.

As a new school year begins, here’s a question to sit with:What do you want your students to feel when they walk through...
09/07/2026

As a new school year begins, here’s a question to sit with:

What do you want your students to feel when they walk through your door this year? 💬

Seen? Inspired? Excited to learn? Every choice you make, from your classroom setup to the words you speak, helps shape that experience.

Share your reflections in the comments to spark ideas and encouragement for others. Here’s to creating spaces where students feel they belong and can thrive all year long. 🌟

Chronic absenteeism is one of the clearest indicators of student disengagement — and one of the biggest barriers to long...
09/04/2026

Chronic absenteeism is one of the clearest indicators of student disengagement — and one of the biggest barriers to long-term academic success.

Schools implementing the BARR model experience an average 14.6% reduction in chronic absenteeism, with some schools reducing absenteeism rates by as much as 50%.

These outcomes are not based on theory alone. BARR has invested in extensive research, including randomized controlled trials across 78 schools, to ensure our model demonstrates measurable, statistically significant impact.

By combining relationship-centered practices with proactive, data-informed collaboration, BARR helps schools create environments where students feel more connected, supported, and engaged in their learning.

Proof matters — and so do students feeling like they belong.

Dive deeper into our research at barrcenter.org

Collaboration is often discussed in education — but sustainable structures for collaboration are harder to build.BARR he...
09/03/2026

Collaboration is often discussed in education — but sustainable structures for collaboration are harder to build.

BARR helps schools move beyond isolated support systems by creating intentional opportunities for educators to work together consistently and effectively.

That consistency leads to stronger relationships and improved student outcomes.

Learn more at barrcenter.org

When we talk about BARR’s impact, the voices of educators are incredibly important. One teacher shared: “I notice myself...
09/03/2026

When we talk about BARR’s impact, the voices of educators are incredibly important. One teacher shared: “I notice myself seeing students in a different light. It also helps to talk about students with the other teachers and get their input…” 💬

Together, we’re building schools where every educator has the space to connect, collaborate, and support students in meaningful ways.

Supporting the whole student requires supporting educators, too.
Learn more at barrcenter.org

Guess who... 👀We’re wishing a very happy birthday to our wonderful founder ! Angie developed the BARR system and has exp...
08/28/2026

Guess who... 👀

We’re wishing a very happy birthday to our wonderful founder ! Angie developed the BARR system and has expanded it from one school in the Midwest to schools throughout the nation, supporting hundreds of thousands students, teachers, and families. 💛

In the uplifting words of her sweet grandmother, we hope your day is “all there, plus...” meaning, all the good is there, and the ‘plus’? Something even more wonderful to come. 😊🎉

The results speak for themselves.After one year of implementing the BARR model:- Large urban schools see an average 40% ...
08/27/2026

The results speak for themselves.

After one year of implementing the BARR model:
- Large urban schools see an average 40% reduction in failure rates
- Smaller rural schools see an average 29% reduction in failure rates

These outcomes reflect the power of relationship-centered, evidence-based systems that help educators proactively identify student needs, strengthen collaboration, and provide more consistent support.

At BARR, we believe meaningful student outcomes are built through intentional structures that help every student feel connected, supported, and positioned for success.

Learn more at barrcenter.org

“I like learning about my friends and my friends learning about me!” – Gracie U-Time is one of the cornerstones of the B...
08/27/2026

“I like learning about my friends and my friends learning about me!” – Gracie

U-Time is one of the cornerstones of the BARR model — structured classroom moments designed to build trust, strengthen relationships, and help students grow in self-awareness and empathy. 🌟

For Ms. Nelson and her students, U-Time is more than an activity — it’s a space for connection. A chance to see one another as people first, learners second, and to build the kind of community that helps everyone thrive.

Learn more at barrcenter.org

At BARR, we believe every connection matters. Teachers may not always see the ripple effect in the moment — but for a st...
08/24/2026

At BARR, we believe every connection matters. Teachers may not always see the ripple effect in the moment — but for a student, that one relationship can be life-changing. 🌟

Here’s to the educators who show up every day, not knowing which exact moment will make the difference but trusting that it will.

At the heart of every BARR training is one goal: ensuring students are truly known and supported. 🌟This week at Chief Ta...
08/19/2026

At the heart of every BARR training is one goal: ensuring students are truly known and supported. 🌟

This week at Chief Tahgee Elementary Academy in Idaho, educators are building tools and strategies that strengthen connection, collaboration, and real-time support for students.

When schools intentionally invest in relationships, powerful things happen — for students and educators alike.

There’s something powerful about a room full of educators committed to growing together. 🌟Last week at Founders Academy ...
08/17/2026

There’s something powerful about a room full of educators committed to growing together. 🌟

Last week at Founders Academy in Rhode Island, teams engaged in BARR training focused on strengthening relationships, collaboration, and student support systems.

We’re continually inspired by the dedication educators bring to this work — and excited for the impact this training will have on students, staff, and school culture.

Address

5115 Excelsior Boulevard
Minneapolis, MN
55416

Telephone

+18553487021

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when BARR Center posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share

Category