Academic Competencies:
• Academic Mindset: Four self-perceptions influence a student’s academic mindset: 1) I belong in
this academic community; 2) my effort improves my performance; 3) I can succeed at this work;
and 4) I see value in this work.
• Academic Perseverance: A student’s tendency to complete assignments in a timely and
thorough manner and to the best of their ability, despite distractions, obstacles, or level of
challenge.
• Learning Strategies: Techniques, processes, and tactics a student uses to 1) learn, think,
remember, and recall, 2) monitor their own comprehension and growth, 3) self-correct when
they are confused or have an error in thinking, and 4) set and achieve goals and manage their
time effectively.
• Academic Behaviors: The ways in which students conduct themselves that support their success
in school, including such things as regular attendance, arriving ready to work, paying attention,
participating in instructional activities and class discussions, and devoting out of school time to
studying and completing assignments and projects.
Social-Emotional Competencies:
• Cooperation: Students’ ability to establish new relationships, maintain positive relationships and
friendships, avoid social isolation, resolve conflicts, accept differences, be a contributing
member of the classroom and school community, and work productively and collaboratively
with others.
• Assertiveness: Students’ ability to take initiative, stand up for their ideas without hurting or
negating others, seek help, succeed at a challenging task, and recognize their individual self as
separate from the circumstances or conditions they’re in.
• Responsibility: Students’ ability to motivate themselves to take action and follow through on
expectations; to define a problem, consider the consequences, and choose a positive solution.
• Empathy: Students ability to “see into” (recognize, understand) another’s state of mind or
emotions and be receptive to new ideas and perspectives; to appreciate and value differences
and diversity in others; to have concern for others’ welfare, even when it doesn’t benefit or may
come at a cost to one’s self.
• Self-Control: Students’ ability to recognize and regulate their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors
in order to be successful in the moment and remain on a successful trajectory.
The focus of this essay should be on the trajectory of growth and the positive impacts that your use
of Responsive Classroom strategies and practices had on your students’ development of the academic
and social-emotional
competencies outlined above. Consider using the graphic organizer below to help
plan
y
our
essay with the specific examples that highlight student impact and growth. You can also read
excerpts of exemplar Student Impact Essays
from previous applicants to guide you as you craft your own
essay.
CRS 2020 Assignments for RC Educator Certification Page 20
