Habits of Mind A Curriculum for Community High School of Vermont Students

The curriculum was initially offered only at facilities where the Workforce Development Program was operating. After being used successfully in those facilities for a full year, the curriculum was revised in 2005 by Vermont Consultants for Language and Learning, so that the curriculum could be offered at any Community High School of Vermont site as a vocational education class. A classroom environment provides many opportunities to influence behavior, cognitive behavior, learning, and growth. The focused, intentional way students interact in class with high school faculty and other students can be extended to interactions outside class with work supervisors and correctional staff. The residential, school, and work environments together will support and enhance social and life skills development of offenders. This course aims to: • Support successful community reintegration • Improve employability • Improve job retention • Enhance by offender choice a reconnection to society • Build a sense of empowerment through the application of new skills • Improve collaboration both in the facility and out in the community Habits of Mind The 16 Habits of Mind are habits of thought and action that help people manage uncertain or challenging situations. They can help people take action when there is no known solution to a problem. The Habits support thoughtful and intelligent action.