Collaborative Problem Solving
One of the prevailing views in the education community is that students will do well if they choose to. At Woodhouse, we see things differently. Our core principle is that if your child isn’t doing well, there’s an under-lying problem. We work with each student to overcome the problem or problems.
We don’t believe in the need for external motivations for your child to do well: no point systems, levels or other needless competitions to reward, punish or manage behaviors.
Our philosophy has been adopted from the Collaborative Problem Solving (CPS) model and philosophy (now known as Collaborative & Proactive Solutions) developed by Ross Greene, Ph.D. and Stewart Ablon, Ph.D.
By using CPS, we offer your child a non-punitive environment. Students do not “get into trouble” for inappropriate social/emotional behavior. Instead, the CPS model helps each student learn the social/emotional and/or executive functioning skills they are lacking to develop appropriate problem-solving abilities.
By maintaining a consistent structure regarding people, place, purpose and time, we help your child identify demands or expectations that trigger inappropriate social/emotional/behavioral responses. Then together, we develop strategies to minimize triggers so your child can work on the skills they need.
The program includes a designated spot where your child can go whenever they need a break from a class or other activity. We have a CPS-based discussion with your child to help work through the issue.
Our students are allowed to go to this spot whenever they feel the need. They are not allowed to bring school work, phones, tablets or other technological distractions. The school social worker or other CPS-trained staff member reassures your child that the staff is there for problem solving, counseling, or emotional support.
