A second point that Dr. Unger presented was the importance of ‘navigation’ and ‘negotiation’ when it comes to students developing resilience. He spoke persuasively about organizations who are agile and demonstrate a ‘growth mindset’ when dealing with students who are vulnerable and at risk.
Dr. Unger drives home the importance of students feeling the need for our kids to truly believe that they have agency inside their home and school experience to influence their own experience. If students do not feel this opportunity to navigate and negotiate their own life, we run the distinct risk of having students who are disengaged and, as a result, not reaching their potential.
What I particularly enjoy about Dr. Unger‘ s approach is that it is not without checks and balances for all parties in the relationship. With agency comes the opportunity for students to have ownership and responsibility. I see this as a space where we can continue to improve as a school community. Too often when we are working to help a child find success, it is a parent/teacher/school leader conversation, and too often, we forget who is missing in the room… the student.
Dr. Unger presented 12 resilience resources for us to reflect upon in our school environment. So, I ask, how many of these 12 are present in our Rundle environment? If they are missing - what do we do to avail them to our students?
- Structure
- Accountability
- Love from Others
- Supportive Relationships
- A Powerful Identity
- Sense of Control
- Belonging/Culture
- Rights & Responsibilities
- Basic Needs
- Physical Well-being
- Financial Well-being
- Positive Thinking
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