The Weekly Update #4
February 27th, 2024
Overview of the ASCEND Approach
The ASCEND Approach two-day training program is a hands-on, deeply engaging learning experience for teachers, social workers, instructional coaches, administrators, and district leaders.
DAY 1 (am):
The first day of training introduces participants to the ASCEND (Anticipatory, Strength based, Context-dependent, Environmental, Needs-driven, Dynamic) Approach and how it is different from the more commonly used DRAIN (Deficit-based, Reactive, Alienating, Individualized blame, Negative) Approach. Topics: Performance Pyramid, TTWWADI, Psychological safety, classroom capital, the 5 classroom relationships that impact academic and behavioral success, emotional metabolism, and developing a classroom relationship plan.
DAY 1 (pm):
In the afternoon, participants take a deep dive into the ASCEND Approach and the Better Behavior Model for schoolwide success and closely examine the motivational continuum. Topics: How the brain learns, Now Gaps/Our Gaps/ Then Gaps, nine to know, the 4-step process, expectation setting, and strengths-based behavioral support.
DAY 2 (am):
Individual success planning and school-wide implementation are the focus of the final day. The participants focus on implementing the ASCEND Approach daily in their classrooms and throughout their schools. Topics: Knowing our own STORY, the cycle of conflict, Then Gaps, trauma and the brain, ADHD, internalizing/externalizing behaviors, and the Success Finders Team process.
DAY 2 (pm):
On the final afternoon of training, participants turn their attention to the intricacies of classroom and school-wide implementation. Topics: The adult learner and the change process, the primacy-recency effect, scheduling effective daily instruction, year-long implementation, PLC planning, Our Gaps, and the 6T Cycle of self-reflection and peer observation.