Top 20 Hub
Social Emotional Learning Curriculum
Top 20 Social and Emotional Learning Program
As part of our commitment to teaching the whole child, Notre Dame Academy participates in the Top 20 program, a social-emotional learning curriculum that teaches self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making.
What is the NDA Top 20 Program?
Students come to NDA with amazing potential. They possess God-given power to make a positive difference in their relationships and experiences. However, they are often unaware of the power they possess.
NDA teachers are in the “Power Awareness” business. They share with students Top 20 concepts and strategies that enable our students to become aware of the power they have to make amazing things happen in their lives.
When we are operating as a Top 20, we are thinking, learning, and communicating effectively. When we are operating as a Bottom 80, we are thinking, learning, and communicating ineffectively.
Topics Included in the Top 20 Program:
- Understanding our thinking
- Managing stress
- Finding purpose and relevance in school
- Resolving conflict
- Learning strategies for how to listen
- Understanding why mistakes and confusion are so important
- Knowing we have the power of choice
- Developing Star Qualities
- Avoiding negativity in our thinking and communication
- Knowing how to function as a team by:
- Helping others succeed
- Communicating ‘You matter’
- Honoring the absent
- Seeing and owning problems
These strategies create opportunities for students, adults and families to be more effective in managing our lives in effective and joy-filled ways.
“Social emotional learning is as important as Math. But we are not born with either skill set, so somebody has to show us the way.”
– Mike Nead, Top 20
Results You Can Expect:
- More respectful behavior
- Increase in student engagement
- Reduction in negativity
- Establishment of trust and safety
- Relationships that create belonging
- Finding relevance in school
- Development of Star Qualities such as responsibility, curiosity and self discipline
and EXPECT LESS:
- Roadblocks to learning
- Negative mental habits such as boredom, procrastination and self-doubt
- Feeling alone or disconnected
- Fear of other peoples’ opinions
- Negative thinking (Thought Circles) and communicating (Social Tornadoes)
- Dishonoring the absent
- Conflict
- Blame
“I have loved incorporating Top 20 into our day! This curriculum teaches students essential social and emotional skills that they will use throughout their life. My students love the engaging and effective lessons and it has been amazing watching them develop self-awareness, tenacity, and kindness towards each other.”
– Mrs. Schneeman, NDA teacher