The Power of Positive: Pacific Preparatory’s Strengths-based Project
Last spring, Admissions Manager Molly Tweten came up with a really good idea. Within her role at PacPrep, Molly talks with prospective families who are exploring school options, and offers ongoing support to our current cohort of students and their families. She started to notice a common thread in many of her conversations with families: many students had negative experiences at previous schools and had lower self-confidence. With this in mind, she really wanted to shift the conversation, not just for these students, but all students. She wanted every student to have a positive school experience and reframe their inner narrative about their skills. Her idea was to create one-of-a-kind Strengths-Based Certificates, or “SRC’s” for each and every PacPrep student.
Relying on the wealth of insight we have about our students based on our close collaboration with teachers and families, Molly thoughtfully prepared SRCs for each and every student. Grab some tissues and read my interview with Molly.
What is a strengths-based approach and how did you become an expert on it?
Prior to taking on the role of Admissions Manager at PacPrep, I worked as a licensed social worker for 7 years doing case management. I have always connected on a deep level with the mission and values of the social work profession. As a case manager, I implemented a strengths-based approach when working with my clients. Basically, this means that I focused on what my client brought to the table (their gifts, knowledge and capabilities) rather than focusing on areas of need or lack. This approach helps the individual increase their self determination and have the confidence to advocate for themselves. It also helps to build stronger relationships between individuals in a partnership.
Tell us more about what inspired you to create the SRC project for PacPrep students?
I speak with many families who reach out because a typical school model has not worked for their child. They are frustrated and many times both the parent and student feel defeated by a system that was not made for them. Once they enrolled with us, I would hear wonderful feedback from our teachers about the amazing progress they would see from our students, and I wanted to provide the families with something tangible that recognized their kids in a meaningful way. From there, the idea of Student Recognition Certificates was born.
How did you decide what to include on each student’s certificate?
I started by reaching out to our teachers to ask for any fun stories, feedback or wins that they want to share about their students. I keep this initial request quite broad because our teachers are experts at what they do, and I didn’t want to limit the ways in which they could respond. Once I gathered feedback from the teachers, I then got to work creating certificates that celebrate each individual student. I used teacher feedback/stories, my knowledge of the student and family, and weekly lesson notes to create a certificate that captures something special about that child. Some certificates highlighted an outstanding performance on a project and other times it was about overall growth in a specific area. It was important that the certificate reflected the individuality of each student; no certificate was the same.
What stood out as remarkable during the process?
First of all, I was astounded by the responses from teachers; we received an overwhelming number. The stories they shared highlighted the importance of our 1:1 model and how it allows them to develop such special bonds with their students. They are truly in the homes of our students (virtually) and they get to know each of them on a human level quite quickly. When I sent the certificates to the families, many parents responded that this was the first time that their student has received positive recognition from a school. Many times learners with differences feel ostracized and families have long meetings that focus on deficits. It is hard to have a positive self image when you are reminded daily of perceived shortcomings. I am proud that we have a program that combats that negative cycle.
What is your takeaway from the SRC project?
This is the second year that I have run this initiative and my biggest takeaway is that positivity breeds positivity. Not only did students and their families benefit from this focus on strengths, but our teachers and administrators couldn’t help but have their days brightened by this change in mindset. While we strive to identify learning gaps, address concerns, and provide top notch education, at the end of the day this project is a reminder to us all to take a moment and celebrate the wins (big and small) that make life that much more meaningful.
