5 Core Values That lead to student success
In my recent blog post, titled "We Make a Life by What We Give," I delved into the transformative impact of mentoring on my life and career. Through this experience, I identified five core values that play a pivotal role in helping students envision the broader scope of their potential. These values are succinctly encapsulated in the acronym BLISS.
Early in my career, my commitment to understanding and addressing the academic challenges faced by students from marginalized communities intensified. Working as a workforce counselor in an adult education program, I focused on students aged 17-21 who had encountered barriers interrupting their academic journey. Many of these students had previously dropped out of high school and sought their secondary credential and subsequent employment. Some aspired to enter the workforce directly, but changes in the job market at the time necessitated earning a GED or High School Diploma first.
Eligibility for the program was contingent on experiencing a barrier to academic achievement or employment, such as poverty, dropping out of high school, pregnancy or parenting, homelessness, or an arrest record. Many of these students grappled with challenges unknown to their schools.
In my years with this program, I gained profound insights into the needs of students. With the aim of reducing the number of students seeking assistance, I began mentoring males and eventually decided to pursue a counselor education degree to become a school counselor.
The Power of BLISS
Through my action research study, "We Make a Life by What We Give: The Impact a High School Mentoring Program has on the Perceptions and Academic Achievement of Black Males," I identified five core values encapsulated in the BLISS acronym.
B - Behavior: Expecting students to exhibit positive behavior in schools, at home, and in the community should be the standard. Positive behavior allows students to align with societal expectations. Mistakes are inevitable, but projecting positive behavior helps students reflect on their actions, learn from mistakes, and project differently moving forward.
L - Leadership: Educators and school leaders should nurture students to recognize and own their leadership potential. Modeling leadership through daily actions is crucial, empowering every student to use their potential positively to enhance their school, community, and society.
I - Involvement: Social bonding plays a vital role in connecting students to school. Encouraging students to participate in school-wide events and activities fosters a sense of connection, motivating them to pursue success. Educators should urge students to engage in student activities, clubs, organizations, sports, and other extracurricular opportunities.
S - Scholarship: The fundamental purpose of public schools is to provide educational opportunities that enrich students academically and socially. Encouraging students to give their best academically and supporting them through initiatives like the ASCD whole child initiative ensures they are challenged, healthy, engaged, supported, and safe.
S - Service: Instilling the value of giving to others is essential. Serving others should be at the core of a school's values, teaching students to prioritize others' needs above their own—a skill vital for leading a positive, healthy, and meaningful life.
While numerous core values impact student success, BLISS encapsulates the values I find most compelling for students to pursue and achieve success.
To explore BLISS further, visit us at TheMillennialPrincipal.org.
