Context
Valor students participate in small communities called “Prides” throughout the week. Valor’s social-emotional learning (SEL) focus places a large premium on relationships and community development, and Prides provide students with more opportunities to do so. Prides are all-male or all-female groups of about 20 students. Homerooms could be considered a traditional analogue to time spent in Prides, though Prides are packed with additional elements that benefit students.
Prides meet every day of the school week for approximately 30 minutes. Most of this time is dedicated to academic and SEL coaching, which is facilitated through the Pride Coaching Tool (see resources). Once a week, Prides meet together for a grade level meeting (each grade gets their own day). On Fridays, Prides meet for an hour to participate in Circle, a foundational SEL practice that focuses on individual, interpersonal, and community growth.
Student Does
- Stays in the same Pride for two years, fostering deep relationships with peers.
- Progresses through self-directed SEL work.
- Checks in with teacher after completing individual components of SEL work.
- Requests help from teacher as needed to ensure proper academic progress.
Teacher Does
- Serves as a mentor (Pride Leader) to students for one year.
- Monitors students SEL growth with the Pride Coaching Tool.
- Provides academic coaching as needed.
- Facilitates Circle for students.
Strategy Resources
Prides at Valor Collegiate Academies
Students at Valor spend time in a single-gendered small group meant to foster community and... Learn More
Master Schedule at Valor Collegiate Academies
The master schedule at Valor is built to allow for various structures, such as Circle... Learn More
Pride Coaching Tool at Valor Collegiate Academies
Faculty coach scholars and track their progress through the competency-based phases in Valor's social-emotional learning... Learn More
Valor Collegiate Academies consist of two public charter schools in Nashville, TN, serving students in grades 5-8. Their instructional model includes a blended and personalized math class, as well as a large emphasis on student social and emotional growth.
See School