Prepared: What Kids Need for a Fulfilled Life

by Diane Tavenner

as a first step, Summit students set a goal that’s rooted in a sense of purpose. It might be something like using evidence to support an argumentative claim, or managing their time so they won’t cram to complete a three-week project the night before it’s due. Then they make a plan for how they’re going to reach that goal. Next is the implementation of that plan—this is the part where they learn/do. As they work, they check in with themselves and their mentor, making sure they’re on track and employing self-directed behaviors as needed. They may need to shift their strategy, find appropriate help, or seek more challenge. Then, when they’re finished, they must show what they know. This might look like a performance, or a completed product. The next step is to reflect on what went well and why, and what was hard, and why. Finally, they rinse and repeat. They go through the same cycle again in the next class, and the class after that. The role of the adults in the room is to answer questions and help guide, but without taking control.