About Trait-Based


The Trait-Based Model of Prevention is an innovative, comprehensive curriculum designed to equip students with the skills and traits necessary for personal development, healthy decision-making, and lifelong success. The program focuses on cultivating key traits such as resilience, empathy, self-awareness, and determination, which are essential for preventing risky behaviors and promoting overall well-being.

 

This proposal outlines the curriculum's structure, its benefits for students, and how it aligns with Kentucky's Academic Standards, making it an ideal addition to the educational programs offered in schools across the state.

 

‘In contrast, prevention programs that today’s leading experts say show the most promise teach kids how to manage their emotions, communicate with others, be resilient, and build healthy relationships.’ – (Pattani & Featherston, 2023)


Curriculum Overview

 

The Trait-Based Model of Prevention consists of six structured modules, each with five lessons, guiding students through the development and application of essential traits which can be harnessed for lifelong success. The curriculum is designed to foster personal growth, emotional intelligence, and social skills that are crucial for success both in school and life.

 

Module 1: Who Am I?

 

This module introduces students to the foundational concepts of the Trait-Based Model of Prevention, focusing on self-awareness and understanding their personality and character traits. Students will explore their unique combination of GRIT, GRACE, and BALANCE traits, learning how these characteristics shape their behaviors, decisions, and interactions with others.

 

Lesson 1: Introduction to the Trait-Based Model of Prevention

Lesson 2: The GRIT Traits (Resilience, Tenacity, Determination)

Lesson 3: The GRACE Traits (Empathy, Appreciation, Motivational)

Lesson 4: The BALANCE Traits (Self-Awareness, Emotional Intelligence, Authenticity, Creativity)

Lesson 5: The Tree of Traits (Visual representation and integration of GRIT, GRACE, and BALANCE traits)

 

Module 2: The Shadowlands

 

This module helps students explore and integrate the less visible aspects of their personalities, often referred to as the "shadow" traits. Students will learn to identify and understand their shadow traits, which can manifest as negative behaviors or internal conflicts if not properly integrated. The lessons guide students through the process of accepting, forgiving, and integrating these shadow traits, turning potential weaknesses into strengths.

 

Lesson 6: Meet Your Shadow

Lesson 7: Accepting, Forgiving, and Integrating Shadows

Lesson 8: The Heroes of Prevention

Lesson 9: Personalized Pathways: Leveraging Traits for Lifelong Achievement

Lesson 10: Strategies for Balance and Success

 

Module 3: Self-Leadership (Life Skills)

 

In this module, students develop crucial life skills that are essential for self-leadership and long-term success. The lessons focus on navigating difficult emotions, enhancing critical thinking abilities, setting healthy boundaries, and building positive relationships. Students will also learn to craft personalized strategies for success, empowering them to take control of their lives and make decisions that align with their values and goals.

 

Lesson 11: Navigating Difficult Emotions

Lesson 12: Critical Thinking

Lesson 13: Boundaries for Success

Lesson 14: Building Healthy Relationships

Lesson 15: Crafting Your Path to Success

 

Module 4: Finding Balance (Health and Wellness)

 

This module emphasizes the importance of physical and mental well-being as foundations for a balanced and successful life. Students will explore mindfulness practices, understand the connection between body and mind, and learn how to maintain overall wellness through self-care and habit transformation. Additionally, the module covers the importance of being proactive in managing their healthcare, ensuring they take an active role in maintaining their health and well-being.

 

Lesson 16: Mindfulness: Developing Inner Resilience for Life

Lesson 17: Wellness Warriors: Nourishing Body and Mind for Lifelong Health

Lesson 18: Empowering Wellbeing through Self-Care

Lesson 19: Habit Transformation

Lesson 20: Empowering Your Healthcare

 

Module 5: Connecting with Others

 

This module focuses on building and maintaining healthy relationships and effective communication skills. Students will learn how to nurture relationships that are supportive and positive, develop strong communication skills, set boundaries, and resolve conflicts constructively. The lessons also address the challenges of living with uncertainty and how to maintain healthy connections even in difficult times.

 

Lesson 21: Nurturing Relationships for Life

Lesson 22: Communication Skills

Lesson 23: Refusal Skills and Boundaries

Lesson 24: Conflict Resolution

Lesson 25: Living with Uncertainty

 

Module 6: Evaluating the Effectiveness of Prevention Programs

 

The final module helps students cultivate a positive mindset and understand the role of gratitude, goal setting, and purpose in personal growth. It emphasizes the importance of continual self-reflection and growth, equipping students with the tools they need for lifelong success.

 

 A key component of this module is the use of Trait-Based assessments to help students identify which career pathways best align with their interests, talents, and traits. By understanding their unique combination of strengths, students can make informed decisions about their future careers, ensuring that their chosen paths are both fulfilling and aligned with their personal values. The module also guides students in setting and achieving meaningful goals, integrating their traits into daily life, and building a life of purpose and meaning.

 

Lesson 26: Cultivating a Positive Mindset

Lesson 27: The Role of Gratitude in Personal Growth

Lesson 28: Goal Setting for Long-Term Success

Lesson 29: Integrating Your Traits into Daily Life

Lesson 30: Building a Life of Purpose and Meaning

 




  Module 1 - Who Am I?
Available in days
days after you enroll
  Module 3 - Self-Leadership (Life Skills)
Available in days
days after you enroll
  Module 4 - Finding Balance (Health and Wellness)
Available in days
days after you enroll
  Module 5 - Connecting with Others
Available in days
days after you enroll
  Module 6 - Strategies for Lifelong Success
Available in days
days after you enroll

Benefits of the Trait-Based Model of Prevention

 

The Trait-Based Model of Prevention offers numerous benefits to students, including:

 

Personal Development:
Students develop critical life skills that support their overall personal growth and success.

 

Risk Behavior Prevention:
By focusing on traits that promote healthy decision-making, the program helps prevent risky behaviors such as substance use and violence.

 

Emotional and Social Well-Being:

The curriculum enhances students' emotional intelligence, social skills, and ability to form healthy relationships.

 

Academic Success:
By fostering traits like determination, self-awareness, and goal setting, the program supports students' academic achievement.

 

Career Pathway Alignment:
By helping students identify and develop their unique traits, the Trait-Based program guides them toward career pathways that align with their strengths and interests, setting the stage for long-term success.

 

Alignment with Educational Goals:
The curriculum aligns with Kentucky's focus on whole-child education, addressing the social-emotional needs of students alongside academic content.


The Trait-Based Model of Prevention represents a valuable addition to any school district’s educational programs, offering your students the critical tools they need to excel both academically and personally. By aligning with Kentucky state standards and focusing on essential life skills, this curriculum has the potential to make a profound and lasting impact on the well-being, academic success, and future career paths of students.

We are excited about the opportunity to collaborate with your school district to bring this innovative program to your schools, aiming to set a new standard in addiction prevention and personal development, and making a lasting positive impact on the lives of students.