North Hills Prep
Approach
Empowering Students Through Neurosequential Model in Education (NME) at North Hills Prep
North Hills Prep (NHP) is committed to creating a supportive and trauma-informed educational environment through the implementation of the Neurosequential Model in Education (NME). Grounded in the pioneering work of Dr. Bruce Perry, NME is not just an intervention but a comprehensive approach to understanding and addressing students’ school performance and behaviors in light of their relational histories.
Key Facets of NME at NHP:
Bottom-Up Brain Development
NME acknowledges that our brains are formed from the bottom up, emphasizing the significance of early experiences in shaping neurological pathways.
Safe and trusting relationships are identified as pivotal for the growth and organization of the brain.
The Three R's of NME:
Regulate, Relate, and Reason:
Regulate: Before any reasoning, the focus is on assisting students in regulating their emotions. Various tailored approaches include using a calm tone of voice, providing physical space, and gently prompting coping strategies.
Relate: Building safe relationships is crucial for emotional regulation. NHP staff models healthy boundaries, consistency, and active listening, creating an environment where students can trust the daily interactions with staff.
Reason: Only after achieving a calm state, staff engage in reasoning with students. This involves problem-solving, conflict resolution, or communicating consequences as needed.
Evidence-Based Outcomes
of NME at NHP:
Improved standardized test scores.
• Significant decrease in physical restraints.
• Decreased suspensions.
• Increased graduation rates.
• Increased attendance rates for both students and teachers.
Classroom Integration and Schoolwide Impact:
- The NME approach extends to the classroom environment, promoting a calm atmosphere whenever possible.
- The overall school approach to student issues is influenced by the principles of NME.
- Positive outcomes are reflected in student surveys, highlighting their positive feelings about the relationships formed with staff and the understanding and support they receive at NHP.
In essence, NME at North Hills Prep is more than a model; it’s a commitment to creating an educational space where students feel seen, understood, and empowered to succeed. Through its evidence-based practices and a focus on regulating, relating, and reasoning, NHP ensures that each student’s unique needs are met, fostering a positive and conducive learning environment.
utilizing Student Lounges
The Student Lounge at NHP serves a crucial purpose in assisting students with emotional regulation. Recognizing the impact of stress and anxiety on decision-making and focus, the lounge aims to provide a haven for students to de-stress and reset emotionally. It emphasizes reducing negative sensory input through calming visual, auditory, and tactile experiences. Importantly, the lounge is not a punitive space; students choose to go there to address their emotional needs. Clear guidelines are provided near the space, outlining acceptable behaviors, and visual prompts aid students in aligning their actions with the lounge’s expectations. Students are informed about the consistent elements of the lounge, including furnishings, lighting, and sound, as well as activities they can engage in to support their emotional well-being. While maintaining consistency, the lounge also introduces rotational experiences to encourage returning students to explore new emotional regulation tactics. Ultimately, the Student Lounge is designed to feel like a comforting hug, enabling a sense of connection, positive energy, and a temporary escape from the external world.
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