Teaching Students How to Persevere through Positive Education
At CLE, academic tutors do more than simply teach students how to write an essay or how to solve an algebraic problem. Tutors teach students executive, organizational, and study skills--how to handle multiple responsibilities and how to manage their time. But most of all, how to become independent in an academic learning environment as well as other areas of their lives.
Positively Supportive!
Many classrooms experience disruptive behaviors in some way, shape, or form. Positive Education and Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) are two strategies schools can use to manage student behaviors and overall wellbeing.
An Apology to My Dad: How I Learned to Take Control of My Education
During my first two years of High School, I was notorious for procrastinating and going to great lengths to avoid work — even going to the extent of throwing away my math homework, so my dad would not know that I wasn’t doing it.
A Walk Through a Day in the Life of a CLE Student
Things that are normal for CLE students to do can be challenges for them and thus they need the structure and support of their schedules to accomplish them and maintain their lives. Through this structure, a CLE student can work their way to not only independence but also towards living a full and successful life.
The Dungeon Master
This game isn’t normal. It isn’t played on a board. There is no high-definition screen. Zero athletic ability is required. To play this game you must envision a character, a fictitious alter-ego, equipped with fantastical abilities that will help you survive attacks of the Dungeon Master.
Speech 101: Speaking to “Everyone”?
So, what do we do when the class about communicating with others very much neglects - or, in some cases, maligns - those who society perceives as "other"?
What is Normal?
"I don't want to be told I'm normal because that's boring. Everyone has their own unique qualities, quirks, interests, and personalities." The group agreed, and another student shared that his interests are sometimes viewed as not normal.
Neurodiversity: Student Perspective
We spent time in a couple of our groups here at CLE Costa Mesa discussing the neurodiversity paradigm and Neurodiversity Movement, and its impact on individual identity from the students’ perspective.
Uniquely You!
It goes without saying that being unique is sort of a brand, it’s fashionable and perhaps the new norm. In an interview with CLE staff and students I found it’s really the simple, everyday things that makes us all truly unique. Here’s a little profile of what makes us all stand out.
What is “Cool” Nowadays, Anyway?
Am I “cool”? I used to know I was back in the day…when I was young and filled with adventure, edge, and possibilities. And I still think, I’m “cool” but I have to acknowledge that my definition of that word has changed over the years.
Student Socials: Creating a Community at CLE
Scott and I talked about how our student socials have evolved over the years, and how they reflect our larger goals of fostering friendships and independence outside the walls of the center.
Wearing the Misfit Badge Proudly
We have the privilege of observing and assisting students as they gradually shift from withdrawn and hesitant to self-assured in making new friends; from harsh self-criticism to forgiving self-care; from being ashamed of their differences to wearing their own ‘Community of Misfits’ badge proudly.
The Birds and the Bees
Students often come to me or their CLE mentor with their questions about sex because they do not know who else to talk to; it’s too uncomfortable to talk to mom and dad about it, and their peers may be struggling with the same questions and limited knowledge they have.
What is Taboo in the Disability World?
Living with a “Learning Disability” comes with its own set of preconceived notions, assumptions and expectations. I asked students in my CLE focus groups and individually the question, “Are there things you avoid talking about in the disability community?” Here are some of their answers
Academic Accommodations – Stick it to the Stigma!
Students with disabilities can find themselves in situations where differences hinder their ability to complete work at the same rate as others. When students are offered tools to compensate for their difficulties, then the gap between them and their peers closes. According to the American Psychological Association (APA), "accommodations provide an alternative way to accomplish the course requirements by eliminating or reducing disability-related barriers."
New Student Syndrome
Are you a new student? You may have NSS! Fortunately, you can educate and prepare for this affliction by reading ahead.
Say What You Mean
What would we say if there were no rules and no social consequences? What would we reveal about ourselves that is important to us, but we are afraid to say aloud because of how others might react? I posed that question to a group of CLE Rockville students, and passed out postcard sized paper.
Creating Happiness
When it comes to retraining our minds to create new habits of positive thinking to create greater happiness in our lives, the good news is that we CAN change our mindsets from old patterns into new healthier ones.
Breathe Into It: Using Mindfulness to Make Meaningful Changes
Late last year, CLE-Austin students took a survey to let us know what groups they would find appealing. Surprisingly, our students indicated an interest in Mindfulness! Mindfulness, as it turns out, is one of the most skillful means to break free of outdated patterns and breakthrough to greater health and well-being.
Integrity and Perseverance: Keys to Change
This month's Career Student Spotlight goes to Jeff H. Jeff is a recent graduate of the McFatter Technical School of Culinary Arts. Having graduated only 7 months ago, Jeff has already accomplished a great many things.