Open Circle Social Competency Program

CONTACT:

Wellesley College-STC, 106 Central Street
Wellesley, MA 02481
(781) 283-2982
www.open-circle.org

Nova Biro and Nancy MacKay, Co-Directors

DESCRIPTION:

Open Circle is a "Massachusetts original," launched in 1987 as an experiment with six teachers in the Framingham schools, to focus on developing in students "social competency" skills — e.g, communication, self-control, and social problem-solving — necessary for learning and constructive living. Since its inception, Open Circle has trained more than 5,000 teachers, who have taught the Open Circle Curriculum to more than 200,000 children, in over 260 elementary schools and 100 diverse communities in New England and New Jersey. Independent evaluations have shown that Open Circle training reduces discipline problems and promotes students' social maturity and self-confidence, as well as academic achievement. Teachers in particular appreciate the reduced stress in their jobs, and everyone prefers safe, caring, and respectful, learning communities.

Based on such findings, a U.S. Department of Education Expert Panel on "Safe, Disciplined & Drug-Free Schools" has designated the Open Circle Curriculum for national promotion to schools, and the Collaborative for Academic, Social and Emotional Learning has named Open Circle a "select program." Thus do "Tall oaks from little acorns grow" — with strong support from donors like you, of course.

(2001: CULTURE: Education: Formal: School-Related)