Positive Action is a PreK-12 systemic educational program that promotes an intrinsic interest in learning and encourages cooperation among students. The core of Positive Action is contained in an underlying philosophy: you feel good about yourself when you do positive actions. It has theoretical foundations in positive and behavioral psychology, and is focused on developing students' skills to build positive identity, community, and connectedness.
Additionally, Positive Action includes a Thoughts-Actions-Feelings Circle, in which our thoughts lead to actions, and those actions lead to feelings about ourselves. These feelings lead to further thoughts, repeating the cycle.
Key components of the intervention include:
Integrated classroom curriculum (140 lessons/year)
Climate development materials/administrator information
Counselor program, family program, community program
Spanish versions available for some grade levels
Content is organized into six units, which allows educators to align an entire school behind the Positive Action lessons and concepts.
Unit 1: Self-concept
Unit 2: Positive actions for your body and mind
Unit 3: Managing yourself responsibly
Unit 4: Treating others the way you like to be treated
Unit 5: Telling yourself the truth
Unit 6: Improving yourself continually
According to the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL), two randomized control trials (RCTs) showed improved academic performance and reduced conduct problems in students grades K-5.
Tier 1, Grades K-8, Grades 6-12, Academic, Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)