The disturbing events of school violence and lack of self-control among today’s youth has been in the forefront of the news over the past several years. Weapons carrying in schools have increased and the most frequently reported incident in schools is student assaults on other students. What can be done to help reverse this trend? The Lesson One Foundation, Inc. (LOF) has developed a prekindergarten through grade five curriculum to answer the call and provide children with the skills to survive and succeed both in and out of school. LOF is a 25-year-old non-profit organization with a mission to meet the needs of today’s children, schools, and families through the Lesson One: Skills for Life program. The program concepts of self-control, self-confidence, responsibility, thinking/problem solving and cooperation provides children with the skills to make the right choices and lead healthy, productive lives. The skills are presented in a positive, experiential manner so that children can internalize them as they would the alphabet. The LOF program was chosen to be honored at a Goals 2000 ceremony at the White House representing Safe and Drug-Free Schools. Recent national media appearances include features on Dateline, World News Tonight, and CNN. LOF has been commended by Richard Riley, Secretary of Education; Deborah Prothrow-Stith, M.D. of the Harvard School of Public Health, James Fox, Ph.D., Dean of Criminal Justice at Northeastern University, and Alvin Poussaint, M.D., of Harvard Medical School.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participants will be able to: 1. Identify the skills children need to avoid risk-taking behaviors. 2. Recognize the importance of early intervention and prevention in reducing violence. 3. Apply comprehensive strategies to improve school climate and increase time-on-task learning
Keywords: Youth Violence, School-Based Programs
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: The Lesson One Foundation, Inc
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: Employment