With so much talk about how to make sure kids are college and career ready, I wanted to share an approach that I very much value. I'm sure plenty of people are familiar with the KIPP (Knowledge is Power Program) schools whose mission is to make sure that every single kid is college ready. I've spoken about KIPP in my previous post about particulary how KIPP graduates "stop-out" while in college. I'm not entirely against KIPP schools - I just believe that there is a much better approach - one that get kids into college and promotes youth to be happy, passionate leaders and people.
This is why I really enjoy the work of Dr. William Sedlacek ; at its core is the basis for developing more sound and meaningful people in this world. Are there other factors besides the ever-ominous grade point average that might also be an equal predictor of college success? And if there is - can we prove it? This is exactly the questions that Sedlacek researched at the University of Maryland. He wanted to know if there were other equally important factors that contributed to a young persons college success especially among people of color. His work is known as non-cognitive variables - those factors and characteristics that youth should demonstrate during college and life to best be successful and happy. The eight non-cognitive variables are much better indicators of whether or not kids will be successful in both college:
Positive Self Concept or Confidence
Strong self-feeling, strength of character. Determination, independence.
Realistic Self-Appraisal
Recognizes and accepts any deficiencies and works hard at self-development. Recognizes need to broaden his/her individuality.
Understands and deals with racism
Realist based upon personal experience of racism. Is committed to fighting to improve the existing system. Not submissive to existing wrongs
Prefers long term goals to short term or immediate needs
Able to respond to deferred gratification.
Availability of a strong support system
To whom to turn in crises.
Successful leadership experience
In any area pertinent to his/her background (church, sports, non-educational groups, etc.)
Demonstrated community service
Has involvement in his/her cultural community.
Knowledge acquired in a field
Unusual and/or culturally related ways of obtaining information and demonstrating knowledge. Field itself maybe non-traditional.
Positive Self Concept or Confidence
Strong self-feeling, strength of character. Determination, independence.
Realistic Self-Appraisal
Recognizes and accepts any deficiencies and works hard at self-development. Recognizes need to broaden his/her individuality.
Understands and deals with racism
Realist based upon personal experience of racism. Is committed to fighting to improve the existing system. Not submissive to existing wrongs
Prefers long term goals to short term or immediate needs
Able to respond to deferred gratification.
Availability of a strong support system
To whom to turn in crises.
Successful leadership experience
In any area pertinent to his/her background (church, sports, non-educational groups, etc.)
Demonstrated community service
Has involvement in his/her cultural community.
Knowledge acquired in a field
Unusual and/or culturally related ways of obtaining information and demonstrating knowledge. Field itself maybe non-traditional.
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