7 Mindsets, the national leader in mindsets-based social and emotional learning (SEL) curriculum and activities, today announced the publication of Ridiculously Amazing Schools: Creating a Culture Where Everyone Thrives. The new book is co-authored by Tracey Smith, the principal of Brookwood (GA) Elementary School, and Jeff Waller, 7 Mindsets’ co-creator and vice president of educational services.
If we want to truly invoke Equity in education, it will happen at the tip of the spear; when more of us educators truly appreciate the circumstances of our students and adapt our curriculum and systems to meet them where they are at…
The following article originally appeared in NASSP By Angela K. Doll | December 12, 2017 A parent request for hourly behavior updates. A student sent to the office for repeatedly trying to staple himself to his chair. A community member’s plan to improve the school by eliminating all technology. As school administrators, we get to deal with…
The following article originally appeared in Concordia University-Portland blog By Jennifer Gunn • June 27, 2018 Some schools have such a positive school culture that you can see and feel it as soon as you enter the building. It’s evident on the walls, in the students and staff, and in every classroom you visit. How can…
ENERGY FLOWS WHERE ATTENTION GOES!! Its the things that we focus on that expand in our life. If we focus on the negative, it is negative things that will become the foundation of growth in our lives. However, if we use the positive as the underpinning of our thinking, our joy and happiness will grow. Why does the negative tend to stay at the forefront in our minds? Negativity just has a bigger impact on our brains. And that is due to the brain’s “negativity bias”: Our brain is simply built with a greater sensitivity to unpleasant news. The bias is so automatic that it can be detected at the earliest stage of the brain’s information processing.
Social and Emotional Learning is only as good as, will only ever be as good as, the teacher who stands and delivers it. If teachers are engaged, if they have bought into the program, students’ lives will forever be transformed. If teachers are not engaged, then you have most likely implemented “one more thing,” one more tool that will sit on a shelf collecting dust. If you win the teachers, you win the students, their parents, and ultimately the community. We are very proud of our solution. We believe it is the most comprehensive and engaging curriculum on the market. I have witnessed its tremendous impact on thousands of students and educators around the country. I have also seen it fall short. Lessons that are dynamic and powerful in one classroom come off as mechanical and cheesy in others.
The following article originally appeared in eSchool News By Tracey Smith | Sept 9, 2018 The author of “10 ways we made our school happier” is back to describe how she creates a climate where educators are free to be creative and students are inspired to achieve I have a hot pink sign that’s right…
The following article originally appeared in eSchool News By Tracey Smith | June 7, 2018 A principal takes a closer look at what it takes for students and staff to be happy at school, and how to build a stronger community After the recession hit in 2013, it was evident that something was off at…
Online schools offer an ideal platform for fostering meaningful one-on-one relationships. This is especially true for students who struggle with anxiety or other social disorders. These virtual environments are safe places for students to express themselves, find acceptance and develop friendships.