What implications does the Circle of Courage model have for school and community networking?

According to The Reclaiming Youth Network, the Circle of Courage is a model of positive youth development. It was first described in Larry Brendtro’s, Martin Brokenleg’s, and Steve Van Brockern’s book Reclaiming Youth at Risk (2002). The model, which is based on traditional Native American child rearing practices, is based on the four basic needs of all children. These are belonging, mastery, independence, and generosity. Identifying these as needs is essential. As with food, water, and shelter, if these needs are not met, children will not thrive, and the social implications are extensive. Research undertaken by Michelle Dickson & Kim Godbout at the MacQuarie University in Sydney Australia, suggest that behaviors such as alcohol and other drug use, crime, and teenage pregnancy for example, are rooted in a lack of belonging/social connectedness. Needs are not being met.

What implications does the Circle of Courage model have for schools?

Belonging – Children need to feel that they are loved. Therefore, they must have access to a positive and caring environment. As well, learners, parents, and community members need to feel welcome in the school. The school needs to work hard at overcoming any negative perceptions of “school”, especially for those with previous negative encounters with schools. According to the staff at Orchard Place Campus School in Des Moines, Iowa, this can be accomplished through quality relationships.

"Research is pretty clear that the quality of human relationships in schools may
have a greater impact on student achievement and behavior than the specific
teaching techniques and strategies used. We know from experience
that teachers and counselors with widely different instructional styles and
different methodologies can all be successful if they develop a positive
rapport and form strong, caring relationships with students."

Staff that are hired to work with students need to truly care about them. New students need to feel welcome and that they too have a place in the school. Policies for inclusion are imperative.
Mastery – Strength-based approaches to learning rather than deficit models are embraced in relation to the Circle of Courage model. Children need to experience success and develop a sense of pride in their accomplishments. Teachers will need to use strategies that are multi-level to meet the needs of all of their students. Multiple intelligences need to be considered as a way to address strengths. The success of all students is paramount.
Independence – From a Circle of Courage perspective, it is imperative that students be taught decision making, problem solving, and other related social skills. Students need to learn to self-regulate and be in control of their own behaviors. One way this can be done is through choice. Students must be given opportunities to make, and be accountable for, choices.
Generosity - “It is one of the most beautiful compensations of this life that no man can sincerely try to help another without helping himself.” – Emerson
Generosity needs to be taught, modeled and practiced. Not only do the adults in the school need to demonstrate to the students that they value generosity, but opportunities must be provided for students to practice it. One possibility is to ensure that the curriculum includes a service learning component. Rosthern Junior College, a Mennonite Christian college in Rosthern, Saskatchewan, http://www.rjc.sk.ca/component/option,com_frontpage/Itemid,79/
is an excellent example of a school that values generosity. All students contribute by doing mission and service work in impoverished regions. For example, this year the students will be travelling to Guatemala for two weeks of mission and service learning. Trips of this nature usually involve working with organizations such as habitat for humanity.

Both staff and students need to be engaged in the process of addressing the Circle of Courage Model. Staff need to teach and model what fulfilling each of the needs looks like and sounds like, and students need to opportunities to practice. A common language needs to be spoken in the school – each individual should potentially be able to explain (and not necessarily in reference to the model) the significance of needs associated with the Circle of Courage Model and how they can be met. Below is a link to a YouTube video from the Colorado Youth at Risk initiative. The dream, an environment where student needs are being met and all students can not only dream, but achieve.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rmKbTHlcGLI&hl=un