When students and teachers have high aspirations, they have the ability to dream and set goals for the future while being inspired in the present to reach those dreams. Whether the goal is to learn trigonometry or trade, get good grades or go to college, develop a new curriculum, expand one's pedagogical repertoire, or achieve an outstanding evaluation, students and teachers want to be successful. Too often, however, students and teachers do not reach their goals and potential because the conditions that inspire and support them are not in place.

The Quaglia Institute for School Voice and Aspirations (QISVA) promotes 8 Conditions that educators can use to live out the 3 Guiding Principles - Self-Worth, Engagement, and Purpose - in their classrooms and schools. Based on more than three decades of research by the Quaglia Institute, these Conditions prepare students and teachers to strive for and fulfill their academic, personal, professional, and social promise.

OCTOber -  ASPIRATION ACHIEVERS  -  BELONGING

The condition for this month that we would like to emphasize is the condition of BELONGING, highlighting a student's self-worth. Belonging is about being a valued member of the school and community while still maintaining individuality. 

NOVEMber -  ASPIRATION ACHIEVERS  -  HEROES

The condition for this month that we would like to emphasize is the condition of HEROES.  Heroes are real people who help you in real ways every day. They are people who care about you as an individual and help guide you through school and life. This condition Is about respecting others and others respecting you.

december -  ASPIRATION ACHIEVERS  -  sense of accomplishment

The condition for this month that we would like to emphasize is the SENSE OF ACCOMPLISHMENT. It's about recognizing and celebrating the importance of effort, perseverance, and citizenship as signs of success. This condition is about trying repeatedly and facing challenges rather than giving up. Sense of Accomplishment is about all using talents and skills rather than just skills that are measured by tests and grades.

janUARY -  ASPIRATION ACHIEVERS  -  FUN & EXCITEMENT

The condition for this month that we would like to emphasize is the condition of FUN & EXCITEMENT.  Fun & Excitement is about being engaged and interested in school. This condition is not about laughing or smiling all the time. It is about being so engaged that time flies by. Quite simply, the condition of Fun & Excitement is about getting up everyday and looking forward to what lies ahead. And, the realization that school can be Fun & Exciting.

FEBRUARY -  ASPIRATION ACHIEVERS  -  CURIOSITY & CREATIVITY

The condition for this month that we would like to emphasize is the condition of CURIOSITY & CREATIVITY. The condition of Curiosity & Creativity is characterized by inquisitiveness, eagerness, a strong desire to learn new or interesting things, and a desire to satisfy the mind with new discoveries. Curiosity triggers you to ask, “Why?” while creativity asks “Why not?”

MARCH -  ASPIRATION ACHIEVERS  -  SPIRIT OF ADVENTURE

The condition for this month that we would like to emphasize is the condition of SPIRIT OF ADVENTURE. Spirit of Adventure is characterized by the ability to take on positive, healthy challenges at school and home, as well as with family and friends. Tackling something new without the fear of failure or success and setting goals are characteristics of someone with a spirit of adventure.

APRIL -  ASPIRATION ACHIEVERS  -  LEADERSHIP & RESPONSIBILITY

The condition for this month that we would like to emphasize is the condition of LEADERSHIP & RESPONSIBILITY. The condition of Leadership & Responsibility is about making decisions and understanding the consequences of the decisions made. It is about expressing ideas and opinions and taking into account the feelings and situations of others..

MAY -  ASPIRATION ACHIEVERS  -  CONFIDENCE TO TAKE ACTION

The condition for this month that we would like to emphasize is the condition of CONFIDENCE TO TAKE ACTION. Confidence to Take Action is the extent to which a student believes in themself. It is about dreaming about their future, while being motivated in the present to reach their dreams. Being confident is one thing. Having enough Confidence to Take Action on something that one believes in is another.