Three Guiding Principles

Developing Students’ Self-Worth: Belonging, Heroes, and Sense of Accomplishment

Self-Worth begins when students experience a sense of Belonging: They feel like they are part of the school community while being recognized and appreciated for their uniqueness. Students also experience Self-Worth when someone in their lives believes in them. They need Heroes: people they can look up to, respect, and learn from. To develop Self-Worth, students also need a Sense of Accomplishment. They must be recognized as much for their effort, perseverance, and citizenship as they are for high grades and good test scores. As students build Self-Worth, they are more likely to persevere through difficult tasks and be inspired to take the steps needed to reach their goals.

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Fostering Students’ Active Engagement in Learning: Fun & Excitement, Curiosity & Creativity, and Spirit of Adventure

Active Engagement means that students experience Fun & Excitement in their learning. They become so involved they lose track of time and space. At the end of the lesson, they wonder, “Where did that time go?” Actively engaged students are

not afraid to ask “Why?” or “Why not?” about the world around them. Curiosity & Creativity are alive in the way they learn, fostering inquisitiveness and a desire to

satisfy their minds with new discoveries. Engaged students also have a Spirit of Adventure. They are not afraid to try new things, or to take on healthy challenges, regardless of whether they might succeed or fail. With Active Engagement, learning becomes important in and of itself.

 

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Encouraging a Sense of Purpose: Leadership & Responsibility and Confidence to Take Action

Schools must challenge students to think about their Purpose – who they want to become as well as what they want to be. To reach this goal, students need to explore what it means to have, and create, a successful and rewarding life. Purpose is about being responsible, accountable, and confident. To develop Purpose, students need the opportunity to assume Leadership & Responsibility in their lives. They must learn to make decisions and understand the consequences of their choices. When students have Purpose, they have the Confidence to Take Action toward a meaningful, productive, and rewarding future. They believe in themselves and are motivated to reach their dreams.

Links to each of the 8 Conditions: Belonging, Heroes, Sense of Accomplishment, Fun & Excitement, Curiosity & Creativity, Spirit of Adventure, Leadership & Responsibility, Confidence to take Action.