Teacher-Student Relationships in Elementary Classrooms (TREC)
What We Do
The Teacher-Student Relationships in Elementary Classrooms (TREC) study supports K-3 classrooms in building strong teacher-student relationships through the use of Banking Time strategies.
Project Information
Project Status: Active
Funding Source: William T. Grant Foundation
Principal Investigator: Amanda Williford and Jessica Whittaker
The goal of this study is to advance our understanding of the ways in which teacher-student relationships can exacerbate or ameliorate the increasingly negative teacher-student interactions that too often lead to young students being subjected to a range of harsh and exclusionary discipline practices, which limit their opportunities to engage and learn in school.
In this study, teachers work one-on-one with target students for short periods of time to use Banking Time strategies. For example, teachers may hold 10-minute sessions, a few days a week, to engage in student-led activities where teachers work to intentionally convey messages of support and unconditional acceptance.
Project Team
Project News

How A Ten-Minute ‘Reset’ May Make a Huge Difference for Kids At Home
Researchers at the School of Education and Human Development believe a simple relationship-building technique designed for classrooms can make a positive impact for families social distancing at home.