Researchers at the University of Minnesota recently established that a strong connection to school reduces the risk-taking behaviors that lead to failure. School connection also enhances those behaviors that lead to success. This provides clues to what we must do to create resilient young people. We must find ways to get them connected to school. Caring adults must create a web of support around children for them to grow with a sense of efficacy, which becomes the foundation for resilient behavior.
Schools are there to elevate a child's chances for success.
Uncertain Times Rubber bands are resilient. But their resilience is more than just snapping back into place once they are pulled. They store and release kinetic energy. As any teacher knows, rubber bands are good at propelling small objects. If we are to give our children the gift of success, we must find ways of helping them prosper in an uncertain and, too often, unfriendly environment.