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Month: September 2023

goal setting and planning

How Goal Setting & Planning can Change your Future

High school, for many, can be an exciting yet daunting chapter in life. It’s a phase where you have the chance to stand at the crossroads of your goals and dreams, armed with potential and aspirations. Thankfully, as you embark on this journey, there’s a compass you can wield to navigate with confidence: the Rose Academy’s Shu-Ha-Ri-DŌ program. 

In this blog, we’ll explore how the invaluable skills of goal setting and planning can be the guiding stars in your high school journey, drawing inspiration from the “Art of Learning”.

The Art of Learning: A Framework for Success

Before we delve into goal setting and planning, let’s introduce the concept of “Shu-Ha-Ri-DŌ.” This unique program, rooted in traditional Japanese martial arts, offers a distinctive approach to personal development. It’s designed to help you discover your true self, learn how to advocate for yourself, and dream big about your future.

Shu-Ha-Ri-DO unfolds in four skill-building and character-development phases:

1. SHU Phase: Setting the Foundation

2. HA Phase: Expanding Your Horizons

3. RI Phase: Becoming a Leader

4. DŌ Phase: Crafting Your Character

Now that we’ve explored the framework let’s dive into how setting goals and planning can change your future:

1. Clarity in Your Aspirations

Goal setting forces you to think about what you truly want in life. By setting clear goals, you gain a sense of direction and purpose. The SHU Phase of Shu-Ha-Ri-DŌ guides you in setting academic goals, but this skill is transferable to all aspects of life. Knowing where you want to go is the first step toward getting there.

2. Motivation and Focus

When you have a goal in mind, it becomes your driving force. It’s what gets you out of bed in the morning, eager to tackle the day. With the HA Phase’s “HA Kata,” you learn how to organize your thoughts and prioritize your actions, making your journey more efficient and effective.

3. Overcoming Challenges

High school, like life, is filled with challenges. But with proper planning, you can turn obstacles into opportunities. The RI Phase in Shu-Ha-Ri-DŌ  teaches you how to become a mentor and support your peers, a skill that helps you navigate the challenges of high school and beyond.

4. Building Your Future

The ultimate goal of high school is to prepare for the future. The DŌ Phase emphasizes lifelong character development, ensuring that you are not just academically prepared but also equipped with the qualities that will help you grow into a more well rounded human.

Measuring Progress

Goal setting and planning aren’t just about the end result but the journey. Throughout the Shu-Ha-Ri-DŌ  program, you’ll earn high school credit and see tangible progress. This is a reminder that your efforts are paying off, and you’re moving closer to your goal of graduating high school.

Goal setting and planning are not just skills for high school but tools that can change your future. The Rose Academy Shu-Ha-Ri-DŌ program provides a structured and engaging way to develop these skills while guiding you on a journey of self-discovery and personal growth. We invite you to learn more, and even enroll today, with a visit to our website at go2rose.com.

children learning in the class

Importance of Grit & Self-Advocacy for High School Students

High school can be challenging in a student’s life, demanding resilience, confidence, and self-assertion. It’s a time when students are expected to juggle academic responsibilities, extracurricular activities, and social pressures on top of their everyday lives. High school students need more than just textbook knowledge to navigate these challenges successfully and prepare for the future. They need essential life skills to ensure their opportunities are limitless. In this blog, we’ll explore why these skills are crucial for high school students, including how they are integrated into Rose Academy’s Shu-Ha-Ri-DŌ program, and how they can benefit them throughout their lives.

Grit: The Secret Ingredient to Success

Grit, a term popularized by psychologist Angela Duckworth, refers to the combination of passion and perseverance in the pursuit of long-term goals. It’s the ability to stay committed and resilient in the face of adversity, setbacks, and distractions. High school students often face a myriad of obstacles, from difficult classes and heavy workloads, to personal challenges and social pressures. Developing grit during this period can make all the difference in their academic and personal journeys.

1. Academic Success

Grit is a fundamental driver of academic achievement. High school coursework can be demanding, and students may encounter subjects that are particularly challenging for them. In such situations, having grit means refusing to give up, seeking help when needed, and maintaining a growth mindset. Rose Academy’s signature Shu-Ha-Ri-DŌ program incorporates economy simulations, group work situations, and career readiness opportunities to foster grit and practice resilience in the face of challenging circumstances.

2. College and Career Readiness

Beyond high school, grit continues to play a significant role in our students’ lives. College and the workplace both require individuals to set and pursue long-term goals. Fortitude helps students not only gain admission to their preferred colleges or workplaces, but also to succeed once they get there. In their careers, individuals with grit are more likely to face setbacks as opportunities for growth, rather than barriers to their happiness, leading to greater success and job satisfaction. The Shu-Ha-Ri-DŌ program helps students explore career readiness and leadership that align with this concept.

Self-Advocacy: Finding Your Voice

Self-advocacy is the ability to assert one’s needs, express opinions, and seek help when necessary. It’s about taking charge of one’s own education and life, actively participating in decision-making processes, and communicating effectively. High school is the ideal time for students to hone their self-advocacy skills as they transition into greater independence and responsibility.

1. Effective Communication

Self-advocacy is rooted in effective communication. High school students who can clearly express their thoughts, needs, and concerns are more likely to succeed academically and in their personal lives. These communication skills are valuable in classrooms, extracurricular activities, and future job interviews. The Rose Academy’s Shu-Ha-Ri-DŌ program integrates guided presentation and communication exercises to enhance students’ communication skills for school, life, and in the workplace.

3. Building Confidence

Self-advocacy is not just about speaking up; it’s also about believing in oneself. When students learn to advocate for their needs and preferences, they build confidence in their abilities. This self-assurance carries over into all aspects of life, from academics to personal relationships. In the Shu-Ha-Ri-DŌ program, unique leadership activities and mentorship opportunities contribute to building students’ confidence.

The Lifelong Impact of Grit and Self-Advocacy

The benefits of grit and self-advocacy extend far beyond high school. These skills are invaluable throughout a person’s life journey and contribute to college, career, and personal success.

At the Rose Academies charter high schools, we recognize the importance of grit and self-advocacy and actively work with students to help them develop these skills. Our signature Shu-Ha-Ri-DŌ program provides guidance, support, and opportunities for growth within the context of a high school education, equipping the next generation with the tools they need to thrive. We invite you to learn more about the Rose Academies with a visit to our website.