To deepen the importance of the policy paper, Rhode Island ASCD announced the Whole Child Recognition Program which began in 2012. This program will continue to recognize those schools that demonstrate a commitment to action for the whole child. It is designed to commend those who have gone beyond the inspirational words of a vision to actions that result in learners who are knowledgeable, emotionally and physically healthy, civically active, artistically and academically engaged, prepared for economic self-sufficiency, and ready for the world beyond formal schooling.
RIASCD AND THE WHOLE CHILD:
RECOGNITION FOR EXEMPLARY ACTION
RIASCD’s Whole Child Recognition Program is aligned with ASCD’s Whole Child Initiative (www.wholechildeducation.org). That initiative “is an association-wide effort
to change the conversation about education from a focus on narrowly defined academic achievement to one that promotes the development of children who are healthy, safe,
engaged, supported, and challenged. We seek to redefine what a successful learner is and how we measure success within our schools and communities.” ASCD and RIASCD, an affiliate, is helping educators, families, community members, and policymakers move from a vision about educating the whole child to action. Our children deserve it. Our future demands it.
to change the conversation about education from a focus on narrowly defined academic achievement to one that promotes the development of children who are healthy, safe,
engaged, supported, and challenged. We seek to redefine what a successful learner is and how we measure success within our schools and communities.” ASCD and RIASCD, an affiliate, is helping educators, families, community members, and policymakers move from a vision about educating the whole child to action. Our children deserve it. Our future demands it.
ASCD’s Whole Child Tenets
• Each student enters school healthy and learns about and practices a healthy lifestyle.
• Each student learns in an intellectually challenging environment that is physically and emotionally safe for students and adults.
• Each student is actively engaged in learning and is connected to the school and broader community.
• Each student has access to personalized learning and is supported by qualified, caring adults.
• Each graduate is challenged academically and prepared for success in college or further study and for employment in a global environment.
• Each student learns in an intellectually challenging environment that is physically and emotionally safe for students and adults.
• Each student is actively engaged in learning and is connected to the school and broader community.
• Each student has access to personalized learning and is supported by qualified, caring adults.
• Each graduate is challenged academically and prepared for success in college or further study and for employment in a global environment.
The RIASCD Whole Child Recognition Program
The Rhode Island Whole Child Recognition Program seeks to recognize those schools that demonstrate a commitment to action for the whole child. It is designed to commend those who have gone beyond the inspirational words of a vision to actions that result in learners who are knowledgeable, emotionally and physically healthy, civically active, artistically and academically engaged, prepared for economic self-sufficiency, and ready for the world beyond formal schooling.
Schools that are recognized through this program will be nominated by the Rhode Island affiliate for ASCD’s Vision in Action: The Whole Child Award and will receive 10 memberships in the local affiliate. The national award carries with it national recognition, and opportunity for a team to attend ASCD’s international conference with all expenses paid where the award will be presented and where they will be featured guests on the live taping of the Whole Child Podcast in Whole Child Central at the conference. The award at the national level also includes an institutional membership in ASCD.
Schools that are recognized through this program will be nominated by the Rhode Island affiliate for ASCD’s Vision in Action: The Whole Child Award and will receive 10 memberships in the local affiliate. The national award carries with it national recognition, and opportunity for a team to attend ASCD’s international conference with all expenses paid where the award will be presented and where they will be featured guests on the live taping of the Whole Child Podcast in Whole Child Central at the conference. The award at the national level also includes an institutional membership in ASCD.
How to Apply
We welcome applications from K–12 public and private schools.
The application process includes provision of the information listed below. Further, a RIASCD team will be happy to visit your school to conduct an informational session about the Whole Child Initiative and to assist your school team in thinking through the application process.
An application packet details components of the application:
SECTION ONE: Nominee information and School Profile. This includes student demographics, student achievement data, attendance and graduation rates.
SECTION TWO: School Community Assessment. This is a series of Rubrics that estimate the current status of evidence-based practices for each of the tenets. The most viable applicants will be those who supply “strong” evidence on at least 1⁄2 of the criteria for each tenet.
SECTION THREE: Best practice essays. The purpose of the essays is for you to provide anecdotal evidence of what each of the tenets look like in practice. In essence, we are asking you to tell your story. Each essay should include evidence of the following:
- Intentionality including a coordinated planning, implementation and evaluation process.
- Integration including the relationship of the practice to the broad school improvement and planning effort.
- Sustainability including evidence that practices would be sustained despite changes in funding, personnel, etc.
- Engagement and Empowerment of Stakeholders including the efforts and involvement of students and adults both within the school and community.
Overall, the Best Practices Essays should demonstrate that a Whole Child approach is integral to the Mission and Vision of the School.
The deadline for applications is 5:00 p.m. eastern time on June 30. Applications may be submitted electronically to [email protected].
Click on the following link to complete the Whole Child Recognition Program Application. Use this guide to support your work.
