Multi-tiered system of supports or MTSS is a term used to describe an evidence-based model of schooling that uses data-based problem solving to integrate academic and behavioral instruction and intervention (Florida’s MTSS Project).
MTSS is the combination of Response To Intervention or RTI with Positive Behavioral Intervention and Supports or PBIS. In PBIS there is a growing awareness of social/emotional learning as a discipline that can provide badly needed structure to both RTI and PBIS. In my last blog on Self-Esteem and MTSS I focused on the building blocks of social/emotional learning. One of the most valid (120 research papers) assessments for social/emotional learning is our Personal Skills Map.
Assessing Social/Emotional Learning
For over 20 years we at The Conover Company have been publishing evidenced-based assessments and skill intervention systems for social/emotional learning. Our most popular assessment is the Personal Skills Map. The Personal Skills Map scales are the building blocks for personal effectiveness.
T
he Third Building Block for Social/Emotional Learning
The third scale in this assessment is Interpersonal Awareness. Interpersonal awareness is the ability to show a true understanding of yourself and others and a deep knowledge of your own thoughts and feelings. It is a skill that helps us get along with others. It is also one of the basic building blocks upon which all other social/emotional skills are dependent upon.
Interpersonal awareness requires a belief that in your eyes you are good enough to be accepted by yourself and others. Acceptance of self is necessary before one can learn to accept others.
You Must Learn To Like Yourself Before Others Can Like You
Here is a simple exercise you can use to gain insight into the level of interpersonal awareness of your students.
What do you think you are?
Have your students list five words that best describe themselves.
“I am”:
1. ________________________________________________________________________________
2. ________________________________________________________________________________
3. ________________________________________________________________________________
4. ________________________________________________________________________________
5. ________________________________________________________________________________
Next have them use the space below to describe how other people feel about them.
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
My teacher thinks I am:
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
My ____________ thinks I am:
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
Now look at their responses. How many statements are positive? How many statements are negative?
Next, ask them if there is a way to change those negative statements to positive statements. How?
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
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Remember – self-awareness deals with becoming aware of ourselves. Self-concept, on the other hand, deals more with how we see ourselves, good or bad.
Want to learn more about our Success Profiler and Personal Skills Map?
