Professional development in the Student Success Mindset follows an integrated three-step process: Self-Awareness, Self-Concept, and Self-Discipline.

Self-awareness increases the student's capacity to learn through systematically changing their beliefs about capabilities and learning. It is the first step to building a healthy self-concept, where students begin taking responsibility for their behavior, study habits and their future. They build on and discover their strengths and talents. Students are empowered to develop a vision and personal goals, and then learn the self-discipline needed to make decisions that are in alignment with those goals.

This guide is a requirement of the Student Success Mindset system.

The Guide offers student activities in the three step process outlined above (Awareness, Concept, Discipline), each chapter building on the previous. Each chapter includes:

• Learning Objectives
• Discussion Questions
• One or more Activities
• Ways to Reinforce in the Classroom
• Suggested Homework Activities
• Assessment

The guide is meant to be flexible, but the key is consistency. Changing thinking habits takes time.

Da Vinci Learning Technologies, Inc. has developed several levels of professional development tailored to meet your demands and needs.

Foundation Level

The Foundation level is an overview of the process and an introduction to the concepts and principles of the Student Success Mindset. Administrators and teachers learn how to use the Teacher's Guide to the Student Success Mindset at the classroom level. Some of the activities in the Guide have been adapted for adult learners, giving teachers and administrators the opportunity to experience the lessons.

Integration Level

At the Integration level, we assist schools in creating a culture of success. At this level, teachers and administrators receive on-going assistance in the form of additional training and individual and group coaching. Studies have shown that information learned in training sessions has as much as a 75% greater chance of retention and integration when the training is combined with coaching. It provides support for change and a forum for greater personal awareness and focus. We also assist school leaders in identifying and changing school practices that do not support a culture of success.

Advanced Level

The Advanced Level signifies a commitment to becoming a Success Mindset school and is a capacity building model of professional development. The primary vehicle for success in the Advanced level is the Coach with Confidence training curriculum. Coach with Confidence builds capacity for a select group of internal "coaches" in your school.

The Coach with Confidence training is designed for administrators, instructional leaders, reading and math coaches, teacher leaders and those who work in any kind of mentoring capacity. It covers basic coaching skills such as listening, questioning, effective feedback, and setting and reaching goals. More advanced coaching skills such as uncovering belief systems, eliminating barriers and addressing negative thinking habits can also be included in subsequent trainings.

Participants in the Coach with Confidence training will:

• Become confident in delivering the Student Success Mindset training
• Develop the fundamentals of coaching to effectively coach staff, students, and parents in personal growth and development
• Improve communication and interpersonal skills
• Commit to an on-going relationship with Da Vinci Learning Technologies, Inc. for networking support, professional development, and training materials.