14 years of Positive Attitude: An overview of the Project

Romão, A M (Ana Maria)¹, Brás, P M (Patrícia)¹, Sousa, V (Vanda)¹, Coelho, V A (Vítor)^1
1Académico de Torres Vedras, Travessa do Quebra-Costas, 9, 2560703, Torres Vedras

 

Submission type

Poster only

Scheduled

Hallway, 22-07-2016, 16:00 - 17:00

Keywords

Social and Emotional Learning, Self-Esteem

Summary

 

Project “Positive Attitude” is a Portuguese project that aims to promote social and emotional learning (SEL) in elementary and middle school students (specifically from 4th to 9th grades). The project is now finishing its 15th year of implementation.

 

The Project, which started as a SEL program for high middle school students (7th - 9th grade), has since come to include several other interventions: a 4th grade SEL program; low middle school students (5th – 6th grade) SEL program, and a school adjustment program to support 4th to 5th grade transition (Positive Transition). The project also includes training for parents, teachers and other school staff. This extension of the project’s activities was a response to needs identified by the school agents or the “Positive Attitude” staff.

 

Presently, more than 7900 students have taken part in at least one of the programs. The programs developed have had consistent positive results throughout these twelve years, both in teachers’ and participants’ reports. “Positive Transition” has also been effective in reducing school absenteeism and retention.

 

Lessons can be learned from both that were successful, as well as from the ones that were not so. Future plans for the programs will also be addressed.

Auteurs