An Introduction to Lions Quest

Mission Statement To improve the lives of young people around the world through the teaching, sharing and expanding of Lions Quest programs and principles.

Skills for Growing (SFG) Grades K – 5 Skills for Adolescence (SFA) SFA for Out-of-School Time Grades 6 – 8 Skills for Action (SFC) Grades 9 – 12

Program Goals Engage students, families, schools and community members; Provide opportunities for young people to learn essential skills; Increase protective factors and reduce risk factors; Engage young people in the practice of good citizenship; Strengthen young people’s commitment to family, positive peers, school and community.

Program Components Classroom Curriculum Professional Development and Training Service-Learning Family Involvement Positive School Climate Community Involvement Follow-Up Support

Values Promoted Self-discipline A healthy, drug-free lifestyle Respect for self and others Commitment to family Responsibility Honesty Service to others Skills Development Personal & social competence Relationship management 21 st Century workforce skills:  Cultural literacy and global awareness  Higher-order thinking and reasoning  Real world application of planning and management  Inventive thinking and creativity

Instructional Strategies Student-Centered Learning Differentiated Instruction Constructivist Approaches Cooperative Learning Thematic Instruction Whole-Brain/Brain-Based Learning Service-Learning

Teacher Workshops & Resources  Teachers must attend a staff development workshop in order to obtain and implement Lions Quest curricula.  Workshops can be sponsored by schools or Lions Quest.  Formats include one, two and three day workshops for K-5, 6-8, 9-12, and K-8 combination.  Additional staff development opportunities offered by Lions Quest: One-day Topic-Specific Workshops Service-Learning: Implementation and Integration, K-12 Classroom Discipline: Establishing Responsibility & Respect, K-12 Skills for Adolescence for Out-of-School Time (SFA for OST), 6-8 Social, Emotional & Workplace Skills for Success in School & Life, 9-12 Supporting & Strengthening, K-12 SFA for OST Webinar Series

Benefits Youth Feel valued as members of classroom and community Able to manage conflict constructively Able to make positive and responsible decisions Avoid harmful substance use Improve academic performance Develop school-to-work competencies Civic engagement School High quality, research-based classroom resources and age-appropriate learning materials Skill development that builds resilience and positive relationships among students and staff, improves academic performance and connectedness to school Involves family and community in supporting the healthy development of youth Engages teachers in professional development that emphasizes practice, planning and community-building

SEL improves academic achievement by at least 11% Lions Quest K-12 programs received a “Select SEL” rating from the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL). A growing body of research proves that addressing the social and emotional needs of youth not only prepares students to learn, but also increases their capacity to learn. A recent meta-analysis revealed that SEL can improve academic performance by at least 11%.* * Weissberg, R.P. (2007) Social and emotional learning for student success.

Lions Quest Sample Results  41% have improved problem-solving skills  51% have increased their resiliency  9% increase in GPA  44% decline in out-of-school suspensions  82% decline of in-school suspensions  57% decline in school absences  50% decrease in boy vs. girl bullying  47% decrease in girl vs. girl bullying  Lower levels of school dropout and drug use  Positive attitudes and better interpersonal skills Lions Quest evaluation results can be found at

Program Resources Curriculum maps and correlation guides Program updates available for download Supplemental student books Promotional banners Q-Bears, pencils, energizer books Electronic newsletter Consultation services available

Recognition & Partner Organizations SAMHSA National Registry of Evidence-based Programs & Practices (NREPP) U.S. Department of Education, Safe & Drug-Free Schools “Promising” program CASEL “Select SEL” program National Youth Leadership Council “Highly-Effective” service-learning program California Department of Education and California Healthy Kids Resource Center “science-based program” Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA) Kansas Commission for Service Learning U.S. State Department Tennessee Commission on National & Community Service Support by world’s largest service organization, Lions Clubs International

Lions Quest