Continued from Progress,
What else do we implement?
Something called BEST PRACTICES:
Teaching each child the way that child learns ("Educating one
child at a time");
Assuring fidelity to curriculum: What does that mean?
The things we do are based on RESEARCH in the field, not
personal preference
Building in personal responsibility in manageable doses:
"Doable" homework, for example.
Helping each child understand better his own strengths and
weaknesses and ways to manage both.
Just like the learned helplessness and low self-esteem weren't built in a day, neither are the solutions built quickly or easily. It requires time and consistent effort from home and school and, eventually, the child herself.
At New Vistas we do not have a "puffy" approach to grading: we respect the students enough to teach them what they need to know and help them until they learn it to automaticity. Children are NEVER fooled by unearned elevated grades. Fact is, too often if they get a "good grade" they blame it on luck; if they fail, they blame it on themselves. We work hard to teach relationships: what's expected, how do you do it?, how do you ask for help when you need it?, how much effort is required?, what did I do well?, what do I need to re-do? We work toward that critical thinking – and it's not a quick and easy process, to overturn years of "I can't" and create a new can-do attitude grounded in reality.
We will continue to strive to help each child achieve REAL success; that means not only good grades, but traits of responsibility and self-advocacy, which lead to empowerment for school and life.
