By: Janal Daniel, Education Coordinator CLE Davie
“If you would understand anything, observe its beginning and its development.”
– Aristotle
Throughout this graduated system is where the innovative concept of Positive Education stands as a pillar for prevention and intervention. Positive Education is defined as a combination of 
traditional education with a focus on character and well-being. Its diverse content benefits both traditional skills and happiness. The concept involves facilitating student development in areas such as optimism, grit, resilience, growth mindset, engagement and mindfulness.
PERMA Model
Many psychologists, such as the founder of Positive Education Dr. Martin Seligman and others such as Dr. Lindsay Oades and Johnathan Passmore, believe that positive education can decrease depression in younger people. More specifically, the goal is to enable students to engage their own combination of character strengths. This is accomplished by the utilization of Dr. Seligman’s PERMA model: Positive Emotions, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning and Accomplishment. The implementation of this model corresponds to the emerging concept that more schools and educational institutions are beginning to evaluate student success outside of academics with an increased regard for a more well-rounded being.
College Living Experience’s commitment to realizing positive education is integrated into in each facet of student interaction. CLE educators and staff are a conduit of positive education primarily due to the sizable influence they have on students through daily interactions. For example, CLE students are presented with weekly opportunities to engage with others in the community through the variety of socials. (Here at CLE-Davie, we have Dine Ins, Dine Arounds, and other fun outings and community events.) Furthermore, students can build relationships with staff through their one-on-one appointments with ILS instructors, which are on and off site, as well as through our open-door policy.
Community Service
As a key component of the PERMA model, students engage in community service days and may also be placed in volunteer opportunities which serve the greater good. Students gain exposure to vulnerable populations and are trained to serve these communities in a pragmatic way that enables them to gain professional work experience. Accomplishment is also an aspirational goal for the students at CLE. Tutors guide students throughout their journeys, tracking and measuring their work through benchmarks, while supporting them in both their progress and, at times, retrogressive challenges.
The team at CLE continuously strives to support the students in an atmosphere of growth. The supports provided to students focus on academics and tangible living skills, as well as reflect and encompass the socio-emotional aspects found in positive education. The organization’s goal is for all partners to collaborate to strengthen students’ capabilities and character for the promise of a life of self-fulfillment.
