Monday, February 9, 2009
Module 2: Reflection Questions
1 Does your school (and if not your school then your school division) have a vision statement or motto? If so, analyze that vision statement or motto in terms of either the Circle of Courage or the principles of SchoolPLUS. What does that vision statement or motto say about the basic aims or goals of your school (division)?
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The Regina Board of Education's Shared Values is the foundational philosophy upon which all decisions and dealings with its members (students and employees) is predicated.
ReplyDeleteThere are obvious parallels between the Shared Values and the Circle of Courage values.
From the Regina Public School Board's website, we can see exactly how these values match up with the Circle of Courage.
I BELONG
A sense of belonging is important for
educational success. It is fostered by
one’s family, friends and community. In
an educational setting, a sense of
belonging is created by recognizing and
utilizing each individual’s unique
contributions.
I WANT TO KNOW
The value of knowledge is fundamental
to education. It is within this context that
the Regina Board of Education develops
policies, delivers curriculum, and creates
learning environments. It is important to
nurture a commitment to excellence in
learning, with an emphasis on academic
achievement and personal, moral and
ethical development.
I RESPECT
The value of respect is critical for living
and learning within a diverse
community. Respect provides the basis
for all interactions within Regina’s
public schools. Respect is based upon
acceptance and understanding of the
similarities and differences among
people. In an educational setting, respect
is an essential component to ensure that
all students reach their highest potential.
I AM RESPONSIBLE
The value of responsibility is a
cornerstone of a healthy society and
essential for quality education. The
Regina Board of Education is committed
to the development of personal, social
and community responsibility. The
exercise of these responsibilities extends
to human interactions, the learning
environment, and curriculum
development and delivery.
From the Circle of Courage website, the following quotes of the philosophy are taken.
ReplyDeleteBELONGING
In Native American and First Nations cultures, significance was nurtured in communities of belonging. Lakota anthropologist Ella Deloria described the core value of belonging in these simple words: "Be related, somehow, to everyone you know." Treating others as kin forges powerful social bonds that draw all into relationships of respect. Theologian Marty observed that throughout history the tribe, not the nuclear family, always ensured the survival of the culture. Even if parents died or were not responsible, the tribe was always there to nourish the next generation.
MASTERY
Competence in traditional cultures is ensured by guaranteed opportunity for mastery. Children were taught to carefully observe and listen to those with more experience. A person with greater ability was seen as a model for learning, not as a rival. Each person strives for mastery for personal growth, but not to be superior to someone else. Humans have an innate drive to become competent and solve problems. With success in surmounting challenges, the desire to achieve is strengthened.
INDEPENDENCE
Power in Western culture was based on dominance, but in tribal traditions it meant respecting the right for independence. In contrast to obedience models of discipline, Native teaching was designed to build respect and teach inner discipline. From earliest childhood, children were encouraged to make decisions, solve problems, and show personal responsibility. Adults modeled, nurtured, taught values, and gave feedback, but children were given abundant opportunities to make choices without coercion.
GENEROSITY
Finally, virtue was reflected in the preeminent value of generosity. The central goal in Native American child-rearing is to teach the importance of being generous and unselfish. In the words of a Lakota Elder, "You should be able to give away your most cherised possession without your heart beating faster." In helping others, youth create their own proof of worthiness: they make a positive contribution to another human life.
We can see that the Shared Values of "I BELONG" and "I WANT TO KNOW" closely relate to the Circle of Courage values of "BELONGING" and "MASTERY". "BELONGING" in the Circle of Courage also talks about developing RESPECT, mentioned specifically in the Shared Values documents. MASTERY and I WANT TO KNOW, both celebrate and foster the quest and achievement of knowledge and understanding.
ReplyDeleteCircle of Courage says that INDEPENDENCE should learn to solve problems and learn to respect. This closely approximates the Shared Values I AM RESPONSIBLE. This value teaches students that they must accept responsibility when good things happen and when bad things happen.
What might stand apart between the two values documents is the Circle of Courage's GENEROSITY value. Possible inherent in the Shared Values document generosity lies latent, but the Circle document brings it to the fore. In Native history generosity was extremely highly valued, during times success and times of duress in the community. In the North American/Western European philosophy, Darwin's Survival of the Fittest belief might more closely replace the generosity value shown by the Circle of Courage.