The formulation of the problem is often more essential than the solution. Albert Einstein
Through working in a progressive school division, I was introduced to Lost at School and the work of Dr. Ross Greene. Dr. Greene’s model is designed to address the needs of youth whose behaviors are challenging. The approach also works well in conversations surrounding learning needs for every student and with all people, in daily interaction.
We cannot conclude that we have all the answers to others’ behaviors; when we do, we end up impairing relationships through making wrongful assumptions and enforcing solutions that are not appropriate. With students, we often cause further disenfranchisement and contribute to the “frequent flyer” syndrome: students perpetually visiting the school office with either no progress or in reality, worsened conditions.
Kids do well if they can. No more should we expect a student with a broken leg to run through gym class, than should we expect a learner to not react in a predictable manner when demands outweigh their skill level in that area. We need to develop an empathetic, deep understanding of the conditions that trigger non- productive reactions. We can then define why the response is a problem for both the student and the adult. From a true assessment of the situation, we can empower the student through collaborating to develop reasonable solutions to improve behavior.
In the summer of 2010, through my own resources, I traveled to the Cape Cod Institute to receive Level 1 Training with Dr. Ross Greene. From September 2011-May 2012, I worked weekly with Dr. Greene and a cohort of professionals across North America to receive my Collaborative and Proactive Solutions Provider (CPS) certification. I am one of fourteen educators in Canada with this distinction.
List of Providers on CPS Connection
I continue to work with students, staffs, parents, administrators, and division personnel to share out my learning. CPS is a powerful way to forge relationship, to validate others, and to make a difference.
Dr. Greene continues to stay in contact with me and be a mentor for my practice; as providers, we have regular monthly interaction in ongoing training sessions. I am also currently working with him on becoming a certified trainer and presenter. In 2016 and 2017, I was a key presenter for his model at the Youth at Risk Conference in Calgary. I also presented two separate sessions to the Palliser District Teacher’s 2017 Convention, in Calgary.