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The expanded in-school programming is currently offered in the sixth grades at four partner schools in Boston (Gavin, Rogers, McCormack, and Mildred Avenue). Every sixth grader and their teachers participate in a minimum of seven and as many as fourteen, 45 – 80 minute lessons, which are derived from the Choices Expedition curriculum. Their teachers observe and or participate in all sessions. Although the program is focused at the sixth grade level, there is also a three-class follow-up that transpires at the seventh grade each winter. This year the Harvard School of Public Health is concluding its formal evaluation of Choices and has established its effectiveness in creating positive social-emotional change in urban youth and positive social climate in their participating schools.
The primary goals of Choices are:
- To help urban public middle school students become more competent learners and responsible citizens by developing the character traits required for academic and personal success
- To create a stronger sense of community and a safer, more positive learning environment in public schools
- To help urban youth develop the communication, conflict-resolution skills, and self-confidence needed to make appropriate academic and personal Choices
The primary objectives of Choices are that participating students:
- Become more self-confident;
- Set higher aspirations and goals for themselves;
- Discover and develop their leadership skills;
- Learn to use discussion and other non-violent techniques to resolve conflicts;
- Become resilient and able to resist negative social influences and peer pressure
- Develop a greater sense of compassion for others and become responsible students and citizens.
Though the focus of the lessons is based on the specific needs/desires of each of the schools, the sixth grade curriculum generally focuses on diversity challenges and teambuilding, while the follow-up for the seventh grade focuses more on the themes of goal-setting and making appropriate choices.
The Choices curriculum covers the Choices urban staff training, expedition and school-based components. Included are detailed lesson plans.
School-Based Curriculum Overview: Themes and Learning Objectives - Introduction to Outward Bound and Tone Setting
- Self Awareness/Diversity Activities
- “Self” in Community
- Assumptions and Stereotypes
- Positive and Negative Leadership
- Defining Community/Full Value Contract
- Communication Skills/Dealing with Conflict
- Communication Skills/Making Good Choices
- Goal Setting/Graduation
For more information about School-Based Programs, please contact Jacalyn Wallace at 617-328-3900 x 129 or jwallace@thompsonisland.org
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