Click the image to download a pdf about the firstARETE program.
As a result of implementing the PASS/Arete Pilot Project, according to Smith, the students improved their physical health, mental health, social-emotional behavior, self-discipline, self-esteem, and leadership skills (00:56). And, over a six-year period, Coulterville-Greely School improved its state test scores a resounding 212 points (01:02), earning the honor of being called a California Distinguished School by the California Department of Education. However, despite these results at Coulterville-Greeley, when Smith recommended to other principals in his district that they implement the pilot project in their schools, they declined. Smith couldn’t understand why (01:34).
For more about the PASS/Arete Pilot Project at Coulterville-Greeley School, click here.
Given the success of the PASS/Arete Pilot Project at Coulterville-Greeley School, educators asked if the program and its learning methodology could be implemented for a shorter amount of time than throughout the entire school day. In response, the American Sports Institute has produced and now makes available to elementary schools a professional development training program in how to implement a condensed, adapted version of the pilot project called firstARETE.
By participating in the firstARETE activities, students realize gains in:
The student skills, attitudes, knowledge, and behaviors addressed in firstARETE are realized through a specifically designed set of curricular activities that, on a daily basis, challenge, engage, and motivate students to do their best individually and as a team. These physical, mental, and social-emotional activities can be incorporated easily into the school day, and contribute to the students’ success and fulfillment throughout the day. |
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40 min. | Aerobic Activity that enhances cardiovascular health, cognition for learning and memory, and social-emotional behavior, providing students the capacity to perform at their best academically and personally. The aerobic activity is performed by all students AND their teachers. |
1 min. | Clap-In provides a ceremony enabling the students to begin class as a single unit, creating class cohesion and mutual respect between the students and teacher. |
5-10 min. | Concentration Practice to develop focus, discipline, relaxation, and alertness in order to physically and mentally prepare the students for learning. |
7 min. | Light Physical Warm-Up Activities to oxygenate the blood and develop focus, discipline, relaxation, and alertness in order to physically and mentally prepare the students for learning. |
4 min. | Student of the Day to enhance self-esteem and create class cohesiveness and mutual respect in order to improve overall behavior, including empathy and tolerance. |
1 min. | Clap-Out, lead by the Student of the Day, provides a ceremony enabling the students to end the school day as a single unit, creating class cohesion, respect for other students, and personal presence and leadership. |
Open | Integrated Physical and Academic Activities that both the teacher and students create that provide challenge, engagement, and relevance for the students, leading to a sense of purpose, meaning, and fulfillment. |
firstARETE teachers are trained in a two-phase process. Phase 1 requires 28 hours of training, and Phase 2 requires four hours of follow-up training. |
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Phase 1 | Teachers receive in-depth, hands-on training, including the firstARETE Curriculum Guide, which contains comprehensive lesson plans. |
Phase 2 | Input and feedback session with teachers to deal with problems, issues, and concerns; follow-up training to refine procedures, activities, and techniques used in class. |
After Phase 2, the American Sports Institute provides ongoing technical support. |
$1,280 per teacher
Contact the American Sports Institute at 415-383-5750, or info@americansportsinstitute.org.
Click here to make a secure, online donation in support of the firstARETE program. This will take you to the Donation page. Once there, select ‘firstARETE’ in the drop-down menu for ‘My donation is in support of.’ Thank You.