Resiliency Historically, the focus has been on medical and psychological pathologies and deficiencies rather than strengths. At-Risk - new term to describe the decrease in quality education and increase of students in jeopardy. (A Nation at Risk, 1983) We were looking at what’s wrong... Rather than what’s right

The shift has moved from identifying the To identifying theResiliency

So what does resiliency mean? Resiliency

Resiliency Capacity for successful adaptation despite challenging or threatening situations An inherent characteristic that exists in some degree in all of us Resilience is itself normative

Resiliency So what does resiliency mean? Person’s ability to remain steady or to bounce back in spite of adversity. Resilient person draws on strengths, internally and environmental, to overcome challenges.

The Child Family Community School Other people External Factors: Risk or Protective Environment Harm or Nurture? Resiliency

What are the risk factors? Neglect Parental Psychopathologies Suicide Disruptive Behaviors Chronic Poverty Abuse Depression others Non-English SpeakingResiliency

RISK FACTORS Cumulative effect - more adversities lead to more dysfunction and vulnerabilities. Predispose a child to negative developmental outcomes Labels children AT-RISK - what words come to mind? Resiliency

What minimizes risk factors? Protective factors - supports and opportunities that buffer the effects of risk factors. Resiliency

“Buffers [protective factors] make a more profound impact on the life course of children who grow up under adverse conditions than do specific risk factors or stressful life events. They appear to transcend ethnic, social class, geographical, and historical boundaries.” Werner & Smith, 1992Resiliency

The Child Family Communit y Schoo l Other people External Factors Internal Personality TraitsResiliency

Internal Factors: Personal Strengths Social CompetenceProblem SolvingAutonomy Sense of purpose Responsiveness Communication Empathy Caring Compassion Altruism Forgiveness Positive Identity Internal Locus of control Self-efficacy Mastery Adaptive Distancing Resistance Self-Awareness Humor Fostering Resiliency in Kids Benard (1991) Goal Directed Achievement Motivation Educational Aspirations Creativity Special Interests Optimism Hope Faith Spirituality Sense of Meaning Planning Flexibility Resourcefulness Critical Thinking InsightResiliency

SEL - Social and Emotional Learning Works to develop core competences:Self-awareness Social awareness Self-management Relationship skills Responsible decision-making Resiliency

Other traits of a “resilient person” Easy temperament or disposition Likable, friendly, sociable True to self, resist pressure to do negative things Competence - being good at something Other characteristics describe a resilient person?Resiliency

40 Developmental Assets: building blocks of healthy development. External Assets: Positive, structured growth environments (e.g,, support, empowerment, boundaries, expectations, constructive use of time) Internal Assets: commitment to learning, positive values, social competencies, positive identity Search Institute Resiliency

So how do we build these internal protective assets in students? We begin by applying the resiliency approach to both individual students and to the school environment as a whole. Resiliency

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Caring and Support High Expectations Opportunities for Meaningful Participation What is the home, school and community attitude? Keys for building resiliency in the environment Resiliency

Teach “Life Skills” Set clear, consistent boundaries Increased prosocial bonding Keys to reducing risk factors in the environment: Resiliency

Change our mindset - focus on the child’s strengths Focus on what the child is doing right What went right for you today? You had difficulty getting to school, but you made it! That shows determination! Acknowledge and name the effective behavior. Verbally saying it can add to a child’s self-image and increase self-efficacy.Resiliency

The resiliency approach benefits all. The core of resiliency is relationship. Get to know your students, be persistent, laugh with them. Let them get to know you. A caring adult can make a huge difference in a child’s life.Resiliency