Research is clear that stressors often negatively impact students personally, relationally and academically. Following the COVID epidemic, schools are reporting that these challenges have increased geometrically. Students who possess the necessary skills to remain emotionally controlled (regulated) and respond to hardships in a positive way (resiliency) are much more likely to thrive and achieve favorable results in all areas of their life, both in and out of the school environment.

The Hall County School District has developed a unique skills-based curriculum and facilitator training program which are showing promising initial results, emotionally, socially and academically. The research-based materials were developed from a variety of resources including, but not limited to Cognitive Behavior Psychology (mindfulness and “think, feel act cycle”), Dialectical Skills Research (reality acceptance and dialectical thinking), as well as effective relationship principles promoted in “Crucial Conversations” (Patterson, Grenny, McMillan, Switzler 2011), and “Non-Violent Communication” (Rosenberg, M.B. 2015).

In its third year of use, DSG’s interactive, tangible and visually captivating lessons were developed by Joy Schofield, a certified teacher and a licensed social worker.   The 10-lesson evidence-based curriculum empowers adolescents to meet their unique social and emotional needs.  Applying dialectical thinking precepts, students learn the skills of mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation and relationship effectiveness.

Mindfulness – the skill of paying attention to your thoughts, feelings, and body sensations at a given moment. Students will learn how to thoughtfully respond to life’s events rather than reacting out of their emotions.

Distress Tolerance – the skill of handling emotional distress without making the outcome worse. Youth will learn to identify and evaluate their current coping mechanisms, and replace unhealthy habits with new, positive ways for managing distress.

Emotion Regulation – the skill of maintaining control over your own feelings. Just like adjusting the hot and cold water in a shower to stay comfortable, youth will discover the reality that they CAN control their own thoughts and emotions.

Interpersonal Effectiveness – the skill of having healthy relationships. Students will learn the art of getting their own needs met in relationships, while maintaining personal integrity.

Dialectical Skills Groups equip students both now and in the future with
grit, confidence and tools to approach life with success!