Parenting 101
How to Raise Kids with Solid Character, Strong Minds, and Caring Hearts

(Page 2 of 4)

In 1995 Borba began an intensive study in three elementary schools to determine what educators can do to reduce student aggression and improve behavior. The study sites--Brooklyn Park, Minneapolis; Hays, Kansas; and Surrey, British Columbia--represented a broad spectrum of students’ ethnic, racial, socioeconomic and academic abilities. In all, 1040 students from kindergarten through sixth grade received lessons from teachers three times weekly addressing life skills such as self-control, problem solving, getting along, active listening, understanding feelings, and empathy. The activities were culled from Dr. Borba’s widely-used curriculum, ESTEEM BUILDERS (Jalmar Press, 1989). Students’ behavior figures were gathered prior to program implementation and then compared to findings one year later. Data was then analyzed by the Statistical Consulting Department at Wright State University.

Results of the year-long study show significant improvement in students’ behavior at all three schools. Verbal aggression (bullying, swearing, threats, insubordination) was reduced by 39 percent and physical aggression (hitting and fighting) decreased by 41 percent. Student detentions for defiance of school rules was also reduced by 46 percent. In addition, 89 percent or more of all teachers found students more respectful, tolerant, caring, courteous, and cooperative as well as more proficient in solving problems due to the lessons. Further results on standarized measures identified a noticeable increase in 11 learner behaviors including: undertaking new tasks, decision-making, self-direction, asking questions, and dealing with failures.

Perhaps the most essential finding is recognizing we can have a positive impact on our children’s behavior--which may be the best news we’ve heard in a while.

Next Page