The COREMatters Project expects both immediate and long-range results.
Immediate results begin as the students of COREMatters view themselves differently. They will understand that they matter; not only to themselves, but also to those around them. In turn, they will begin to understand that others have worth and value as well. Furthermore, students begin to exhibit increased empathy, respectfulness, personal responsibility and cooperative spirit. Following our pilot program, the incidences of office referrals for teasing, bullying, and disrespect for this group decreased.
Research shows increasing empathy in students decreases anti-social behavior and bullying. Twemlow also supports that this increase awareness of the humanity and value of others is a by-product of the discipline and focus on respect inherent in the martial arts classroom.
Long Range Outcomes: When students apply the COREMatters principles they will have an overall better school experience. We expect that they will be empowered to carry with them a self-confidence that will stay with them throughout their lives. This, in turn, will make them better conflict managers and problem solvers. We expect their grades will improve, and they will be less likely to need subsequent intervention.
The individual outcomes will have a disseminating effect. Beside the obvious diminished referrals for anti-social behavior, the school environment will become more pleasant. Teachers will have more time to TEACH, since they will be spending less time dealing with disrespectful behaviors. As students carry out more pro-social behaviors and make better choices in their interaction with the rest of the students, all will share a more positive climate of equality and mutual respect.
Our vision is to shift this generation of young people back to basics of human worth, respect for self and others, and empathy. We know that every human person has certain social/emotional needs and, if not acquired in healthy ways (i.e. personal relationships, sense of community, and acceptance with the family group) they will go after them in destructive ways (i.e. gang activity, drugs, and further destructive behaviors). The COREMatters Project offers them the chance to feel and act out a healthier social, physical, and emotional regimen.
We are determined to show that after our program, students are happier at school, feel a sense of ownership, have real control of their character, and get better grades as a result.
