Winona, MN
“When the results of statewide standardized tests roll out, educators are often posed the question, “What is going to be done differently?” Starting this year at the Winona Area Learning Center (ALC), staff are working to implement a “compassionate school” model, which education professionals have said will change the school’s culture; strengthen positive relationships between students and staff; help improve graduation rates, grades, and the number of students disciplined; and create a safe environment for students in which to thrive.
What exactly is a compassionate school? A couple years ago, Washington State Superintendent of Public Instruction Program Supervisor Ron Hertel was at a panel where researchers discussed the role of compassion in education. While some people may downplay compassion, Hertel argues that there is a science behind it. “Compassion is defined as the equal blend of caring, rigor, and accountability,” he explained. “It starts out as a broad base understanding of what trauma does and how trauma impacts learning. We have for years in Washington … tried to understand what role socio-emotional skills have for kids’ success and skills. That’s what this is grounded in.”
[For more on this story by Laura Hayes, go to http://www.winonapost.com/Arti...%27-embraced-at-WALC]
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