ATM: Mastery - I Can Succeed

A goal of Foothills School Division is to advance wellness and well-being of students and staff by fostering healthy school cultures through the lens of Belonging, Independence, Mastery, and Generosity from the Circle of Courage. The Circle of Courage is a model of positive youth development first described in the book Reclaiming Youth at Risk, co-authored by Larry Brendtro, Martin Brokenleg, and Steve Van Bockern. The authors indicate that students thrive in schools and communities where belonging, mastery, independence, and generosity are nurtured. In Foothills School Division, we create conditions where everyone can thrive, grow, and learn. We place education at the centre of a flourishing community and our priority is the engagement, support, and success of each learner.  

Our story of success for each learner in Foothills School Division is that our learners will develop the core competencies of academic achievement, lifelong learning, and global citizenship as well as the skills to effectively communicate, collaborate, problem solve, innovate, and think critically. Learners explore and develop their skills and passions and achieve their highest potential. Our priority of Success for each learner is aligned with the concept of Mastery from the Circle of Courage.

What is Mastery in the Circle of Courage? Brendtro, Brokenleg, and Van Bockern explain that individuals strive for mastery as part of personal growth and development. They thrive in situations where they are tasked to lead and be responsible. Individuals are motivated to be competent and to develop skills of critical thinking. They are excited and challenged by problem solving which increases their desire and drive to achieve and be successful. By developing mastery, a child’s inborn thirst for learning is nurtured. Children learn to understand and navigate the world and can say, “I can succeed.” We want everyone in our Foothills learning community to be engaged, be supported, and have success!

With a focus on deep and transferable learning in Foothills School Division, we develop Mastery for student Success. We provide meaningful, intellectually engaging learning experiences for our students. Learning is designed to deepen conceptual understanding to make connections in learning within subjects and across subjects. We build student agency by encouraging students to be active and engaged learners with voice and choice. We draw on student strengths, interests, and talents and provide opportunities for students to get involved and be leaders. We strengthen critical thinking and problem-solving skills so that students approach challenges with creativity, flexibility, and determination. We engage students in design thinking and career exploration through authentic, hands-on, real-world, experiential learning to deepen knowledge, skills, and competencies to develop life-long learners, active citizens, prepared for the future and who positively contribute to a flourishing learning community. With determination and persistence, we foster a spirit of Mastery and Success for each learner. 

 Yours in learning, 

 Caroline Roberts
Assistant Superintendent of Learning Services