RESEARCH ON THE FACTORS FOR SCHOOL SUCCESS

Helping our young people thrive at SCBC.

At SCBC, there are 4 strategic areas helping to optimize educational success for our students; individually and collectively:

1 – STUDENT FOCUS

2 – INVESTING IN STAFF

3 – EXCELLENT STANDARDS

4 – COMMUNITY & CULTURE

When making decisions, we ask the question: “In the light of our Christian faith, how will this decision value-add to the student’s learning experiences at SCBC?”

In one study of value-adding factors that contribute to student success, 6 variables were identified. You can read the research for yourself at http://www.extension.umn.edu/family/school-success/professionals/research-on-school-success/research-on-factors-of-school-success/

Here’s a quick summary of the factors for student success, and a few questions for your reflection

• Standards and Expectations – the level of expected performance held by key adults for young people.

Question: ‘Do you have realistic and accurate expectations of your son/daughter?’

• Structure – the overall routine and monitoring provided by key adults for young people.

Question: ‘Do you provide a consistent pattern of events (home and school), and age appropriate monitoring and supervision?’

• Learning – refers to the variety of learning options available to youth in the home, at school and within the community. Communications between adults at home impacts on student achievement.

Question: ‘Do you communicate with the other adult/s in your home in a way that encourages good (e.g. higher levels of vocabulary) conversations?’

• Support – Support refers to the guidance provided by, the communication between, and the interest shown by adults to promote student progress in school.

Question: ‘Do you give frequent verbal support and praise daily; provide regular, explicit feedback; talk directly to your son/daughter about schoolwork and activities; and demonstrate problem solving and negotiation skills?’

• Modeling –  refers to how adults demonstrate desired behaviours and commitment/value toward learning and working hard in their daily lives.

Question: ‘Do you demonstrate desired behaviours and commitment/value toward learning and working hard in your daily life?’

• Relationships – refers to the amount of warmth and friendliness; praise and recognition; and the degree to which the adult-youth relationship is positive and respectful.

Question: ‘Does your son/daughter experience at home, a non-blaming relationship between your home and school. Do the they commonly experience encouragement, praise and involvement from key adults?’ 

Focus on Relationships

In 2015, Bill Gates wrote: “Teaching is about Relationships.” Said in another way: ‘Learning is about relationships’. Constructive, positive relationships can help a person thrive with encouragement. In the context of a STUDENT FOCUS, this is an area of high priority in our classrooms and learning spaces at SCBC. It directly contributes to success for your son/daughter.

As a means of modelling warm, friendly, positive relationships closer to home, you may be interested in an opportunity to take time for focussing on the quality of relationship you have with the person that defines you and your husband/wife/partner as ‘a couple’. I believe children learn more from what we do than what we simply say. I encourage you to consider investing time to cultivate a more meaningful relationship with your partner at a conference called: ‘You and Me Couple Conference’. The conference (NB: has a participation fee) is not a college event, but in light of the above ‘School Success’ research, it is considered to be highly supportive towards the educational wellbeing of students at SCBC.

See https://www.eventbrite.com/e/you-me-couple-conference-tickets-32399931066

God’s blessing on you and your family,

Des Mitchell
Principal