E M P O W E R

Everyone a learner

• Prioritize how we design space, programs, communication, and schedules to maximize time on learning using cutting edge research and neuroscience.

• Design cultures of learning where there are opportunities for all stakeholders to embrace mistakes and grow.

• Engage entire learning communities with routines that promote opportunities for metacognition, reflection, and feedback to large and small scale audiences. 

Mindsets matter

• Nurture mental and emotional agility through specific language and routines and authentic practice. Productive struggle, conflict management, and problem solving are normal parts of the learning process.

• Understanding belief-influenced becoming is a powerful force. Language, routines, and programs are designed to create communities where everyone is immersed in a culture of growth.

• Intentional educator and learner moves are actionable steps taken while holding an empowering mindset. In each, growth is celebrated as learners move from “I can’t” to “I can, and my next steps are…”

Partner authentically  

• Inclusion beyond attending events. Providing powerful opportunities for all to grow and develop, to see multiple perspectives, and to see ourselves as active change agents for our children.

• Clear messaging and communication about empowerment moves our focus to celebrations of all parts of learning, not merely end performance. Educators, students, and caregivers use honest, kind, and helpful language to connect and build a strong support network.

• Tools to help support Partnering means shared responsibility as well as goals. Hands-on, practical language, routines, and actions available to all  helps students, caregivers, and educators visualize what steps to take in building an empowered community.

One vision

• Building for now, AND the future in ways they see how each moment connects to who they are now, and who they are in the process of becoming. This grounds engagement and authentic relevance. 

• Self-esteem isn’t something we give them, it’s something they create within themselves. As they build confidence through the messy process of learning, their confidence grows. Active choices give learners opportunities to safely fail and grow ground a healthy sense of ownership and who they are.

• Looking through a wider, long term lens gives us greater perspective. When we frame events through this lens, we can consider actions and words thoughtfully, and deliver them intentionally.

Weave SEL and academics

• Develop emotional and academic skills as a more natural interplay of our mind and heart. Understanding that it is all a part of who we are - learning, feelings, and relationships - is key to well being.

• Language that supports, builds identity, and gives perspective grounds every communication. Each statement ends in an opportunity for children to spearhead next steps, elevates each person involved.

• Support scaffolds using a gradual release of responsibility model in all areas. As we practice, these supports begin to loosen and look different, giving way for the learner to continue their journey more and more independently.

Effort ignites ability

• Student agency at every turn shows learners that they have control over their thoughts, words, and ability to grow their cognitive capacity. This “superpower” excites learners, charging their internal motivation to go after learning for themselves. 

• Providing open opportunities for goal setting enables learners to reflect on where they are, where they want to be, and create pathways towards those goals. Normalizing hard work and discomfort along the way helps students continue to dig in, even when they feel stuck.

• Promote student engagement authentically by providing specific skill building academically and emotionally. Students see themselves as active crafters of their own “toolkits” that go with them, igniting self motivation.

Relationship at the core

• Contribution of ideas, mutual support, and care undergirds how we build collaborative learning environments. 

• Connection is key to unlocking each person’s willingness to risk something new or challenging. Building that synapse within the academic content builds both the learner and the learning.

• Academic relationship considers the balance of educator, caregiver, and student relationships. Teaching and learning with a personal touch facilitates a warm, trusting bond incorporating instructional words and strategies.