Mattoon
CUSD #2
The Paradigms
Our Paradigms shape how we see the world, which fuel our behaviors, which provide us with results. Through your exploration of the LIFT Paradigms, we hope that you will see what we see.
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Students who see themselves and others as Leaders.
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Students who value their unique genius and the genius of others.
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Students who operate within their Circle of Influence.
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Students who are empowered to lead their learning and their future.
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Students who are valued for their whole person.
Paradigm of Leadership
Everyone can be a leader.
LIFT is revolutionizing education with the paradigm that Everyone Can Be A Leader!
At LIFT, students are encouraged to lead their own learning through Competency Based and Self Paced Learning. Students choose their Pathway and then design their educational experience through the menu of courses at LIFT.
Students hold Leadership Roles on their respective floors and throughout the building. Whether they are planning a school-wide or community event, organizing a service project, or leading an Action Team, LIFT students are using their voice and initiative to make our school and surrounding communities a better place for all.
Facilitators are provided opportunities to learn and grow through the 7 Habits and through a variety of other Professional Development offerings. Facilitators mentor student-led action teams and supervise community service projects outside of the regular school day.
Families and community members are an active part of our Community Events. Advisory Boards provide feedback that help cast mission and vision for our future planning.
Paradigm of Leadership
Spotlight Story
Paradigm of Potential
Everyone has genius.
At LIFT, we know that everyone has Genius and we see it in many ways. We hear student testimonials like “I feel so welcome here,” “It’s so much easier to present in front of people at LIFT,” and “This is the first time I have felt valued for who I am at school.”
Why do students feel this way? We believe students are empowered to see greatness in themselves.
Students have the opportunity to gain self awareness through our study of the Leader in Me and the Clifton Strengths. Students have the ability to showcase their learning in a way that demonstrates their passion and serves their future path.
Capstone Projects, Service Learning, and Real World Application are key for LIFT students to celebrate the Genius within!!!
Paradigm of Potential
Spotlight Story
Paradigm of Change
Change starts with us.
There are powerful results when we live within our Circle of Influence and that is never stronger than when we say “Change Starts With Me.” Embracing this powerful paradigm and the Habit One principles of personal responsibility have allowed LIFT to empower students to build a strong culture.
One on one coaching, delivered weekly, allows space for individuals to realize the greatness in themselves and to take ownership for their success at LIFT and for their future. This intentional one on one time allows space to discuss personal WIGs, provide accountability, reflection, and support.
LIFT is purposeful in celebrating when others have lived the paradigm of change. Coffee Bean Cards highlight and honor those demonstrating above and beyond leadership. Whether it be content completion, relationship building, or service learning, we celebrate that Change Starts With Me.
LIFT includes a large body of stakeholders to collect voice and to make meaningful contributions. Parents, Community, and Industry Partners are provided opportunities to be a part of the collective voice that LIFT continues to grow from.
Paradigm of Change
Spotlight Story
Paradigm of Motivation
Educators empower their students to lead their own learning.
LIFT prides itself in empowering students to lead their own learning. The very structure of LIFT allows students to choose a pathway and courses that align with their passions, strengths, and interests. Some students approach LIFT with definite next steps and some are exploratory. Students have autonomy to work collaboratively or independently. They have a myriad of options to demonstrate their mastery of content.
Relationships are central to the culture at LIFT, often described as feeling like a family and a place where students feel everyone is building each other up rather than tearing down. It is common to see students teaching other students or planning service learning projects together.
Whether it be our Mission Statements, our Outcomes, or the Testimonies from our Students and their families, there is evidence all around that LIFT motivates through Empowerment!
Paradigm of Motivation
Spotlight Story
Paradigm of Education
Educators and Families, Partner to Develop the Whole Person
Heart~Mind~Body~Spirit
LIFT students and staff take enjoyment in our commitment for whole person wellness.
Heart - Sharing meals together, service-learning projects, assisting in our daycare, honoring our Veterans…the list goes on and one for ways that LIFT strives to lift others higher.
Mind - Creative and fun ways to demonstrate learning, Survivor style challenges that provide healthy competition between our floors, planning community events with activities like costume contests & karaoke!
Body - 9/11 Stair Challenge to honor first responders, supporting each other in our WIGS to hit the gym and drink more water
Spirit - Taking time to write others Coffee Bean cards, attending other schools’ sports and musicals to support one another, and even going as a class to the visitation when a student lost his father~ LIFT students extend beyond being classmates, they are friends.
Students are more than their courses and their grades, we embrace, celebrate, and honor their uniqueness.