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Empowering Every Child Involves Empowering Everyone, That”s What 7 Mindsets Is All About
“7 Mindsets Academy is a research-based program that can be implemented at any school to improve academic performance, increase educator engagement, and transform school culture. It’s the only social emotional learning solution that teaches students the mindsets to achieve happiness and success on their own terms.”
That’s what their website says, and many of you who have been with us over the last six years, probably know that when I first met with them at TCEA I was skeptical at best. I’m the “thought leadership > bought leadership” guy every day, day in and day out. I don’t want to see data I want to hear the real story. I love a challenge. So when 7 Mindsets President Lupita Knittel and Vice President of Operations Matthew Smith challenged me to dig deeper, it was on.
At first glance Lupita and Matthew didn’t look like people that would embrace anything less than authentic. They were contemporaries, they were both from Atlanta. They both seemed a bit street smart. That’s what was engaging about our conversation.
They left me with the book “The 7 Mindsets To Live Your Ultimate Life” by Scott Shickler and Jeff Waller. They said they both read the book and that I should as well. When we got back home after a long long drive my nine year old daughter (who was at the meeting) asked me if I was going to read the book. Before tossing it in the closet with all the other review units and books given to me for editorial purposes I told her yes and read it. Cover to cover in one sitting (I’m not some speed reader it’s 135 pages).
This first person story I’m telling right now is important to drive home the fact that The 7 Mindsets set fundamentals of social emotional learning that are important. These fundamentals aren’t just important to your child or your student, they are important from the top down. 7 Mindsets provides a curriculum that can be taught in a variety of ways.
7 Mindsets is currently in place in thousands of elementary schools, middle schools and high schools in 7 different states. They provide lesson plans, thought provoking videos, educational games and personalized activities that engage the student, the teacher and the administrator.
“The weakness in any social emotional learning program is making sure the principal or administrator is involved” Ian Bryan, Director of Community Outreach with 7 Mindsets told us. “Infuse the entire school with a language that overlaps the entire school. Put it all under the same language.”
That’s why 7 Mindsets works where other programs focused on school climate don’t.
The 7 Mindsets Academy is built upon, well 7 Mindests:
- Everything is Possible- Dream big, embrace creativity, and expect great results
- Passion First- Pursue your authentic talents and deepest interests
- We are connected- Explore the synergies in all relationships, empower one another
- 100% Accountable- Choose to be responsible for your own happiness and success
- Attitude of Gratitude- Seek positives from every experience and be thankful for all you have
- Live to Give- Inspire and serve others while maximizing your potential
- The Time Is Now- Harness the power of this moment and take purposeful action today
When the 7 Mindsets are implemented in a school environment from the top down, it creates a culture where everyone is on the same page.
Find out more about 7 Mindsets here.