RGRC's Purpose

Friday, June 24, 2005

The Ross Griffin Resource Center’s purpose is to work in partnership with the individual learner and his or her family to enrich academics and develop these seven skills: This group of skills comes from “How to Raise a Self-Reliant Child in a Self-Indulgent World.”

1) Perceptions of personal capabilities-- capable of facing problems and learning through challenges and experiences

A few of the practical ways we do these are: 1000-5000 piece puzzles, student lead group projects, conflict resolution with role playing, reading and studying classical literature together. We help student plan and follow through with projects that interest and challenge them, mentally, physically, socially, and spiritually.

2) Perceptions of personal significance-- capable of contributing in meaningful ways and believing that life has meaning and purpose

This perception is fostered when individuals are given tasks and responsibilities that benefit the whole group. At the center many students are asked to tutor other students, this is meaningful and they truly understand that. The students also help with daily “chores” that make life easier for everyone. Because they contribute they feel ownership of the program.

3) Perceptions of personal influence over life-- capacity to understand that one's actions and choices influence one's life and hold one accountable

This perception is easy to squash in a young person if your not very careful. Actions must have logical consequences, good and bad. Young people need to understand their choices affect their lives and the lives of those around them. Here at RGRC we encourage making choices, because then students gain wisdom. When they develop wisdom they make even better choices. Good literature and movies that are truly discussed can help us learn a little less painfully the consequences of harmful choices.

4) Intrapersonal skills-- capacity to manage emotions through self-assessment, self-control, and self-discipline

All people need to be able to do honest self-assessments so that they can continue to work to be all they were created to be… it is a lifelong process. Here at RGRC we regular sit down with students to evaluate skills, interests and passions for the purpose of self-assessment. You have to be able to identify your weakness so that you can work on them. Learning and applying a strong work ethic is critical for young people. As teachers and parents we cannot make them do anything, we can make their lives miserable if we choose because we don’t like their choices, but admitting that they have control of themselves is necessary and difficult. Once we acknowledge that to them and to ourselves—they usually become more cooperative because they have nothing left to prove. Then they -not us- become responsible for that behavior as well.

5) Interpersonal skills-- capacities necessary to deal effectively with others through communication, cooperation, negotiation, sharing, empathizing, and listening

I wish I had a penny for every time I have asked a young person –“Do you know that you are being rude?” Or “Did you know you had other choices of behavior?” While sometimes they admit that the behavior might be rude, they honestly did not have another behavior in their bag of skill to choose from. So “let’s talk about what else you could have done”; seems to be so much a part of my speech that the kids would love to have a penny for every time I say it!

6) Systemic skills-- capacity for responding to the limits, consequences, and interrelatedness of human and natural systems with responsibility, adaptability, flexibility, and integrity.

Students, Mentors, and Parents of RGRC get to work on this skill. Since we all work together to become better human beings the interrelatedness shows up often for good and bad. For things to work in a less structured environment everyone must do their part or the day doesn’t run as smoothly as it should. Students learn that they can either help or hurt the day with their choice of behavior. The rewards for keeping their integrity and being adaptable are not just a great academic day, but they also develop a sense of leadership responsibility to the community. They feel great about the fact they “held it together” when other were just “goofing off.”

7) Judgment skills-- capacity for making decisions and choices that reflect moral and ethical principles, wisdom, and values.
Here at RGRC we role play this over and over and over so that when our students are faced with making decisions they have not only the ability, but also the confidence and practice. Classical literature also plays a big role in learning judgment skills. Students have access to 5000 plus years of human wisdom, ethics and values at their fingertips. They have learned through Hector, Hercules, Moses, Jesus, Caesar, Arthur, Joan, and so many more to stand up for what is right for the good of all –even if it means pain for you. They know that it is their responsibility to leave the world a better place than they found it.