Student Success Plans & Comer Model a "Perfect Fit"

By the beginning of the 2012-13 school year, Public Law 11-135 mandates that all public school students in Connecticut in grades 6 to 12 must have a Student Success Plan (SSP) that includes a student’s career and academic choices. Dr. James P. Comer was the keynote speaker at the two Student Success Plan technical assistance forums organized by the Connecticut State Department of Education in November and December.

In her welcome to conference participants, Dr. Marion Martinez, the Deputy Commissioner for Teaching and Learning, described Student Success Plans as “proactive and preventive in nature, striving to support the needs of the whole child. We want to support all students in developing social and global awareness, responsible decision-making ability, and healthy lifestyles. Employers require them, and they are essential for lifelong learning, success, and happiness.” Dr. Martinez described the Comer model and Student Success Plans as “a perfect fit.”

Dr. Jocelyn Mackey, an Education Consultant and SSP co-team leader with June Sanford at the Connecticut State Department of Education, introduced Dr. Comer who she first met ten years ago when she was a pre-doctoral intern at the Yale Child Study Center. “Foundational to the Comer model is its link between child and adolescent development and student success,” said Dr. Mackey. “The Comer model is based on the concept of whole child development and takes a collaborative approach to supporting student progress along key developmental pathways. Effective Student Success Plans are also grounded in this concept in supporting students to reach their full potential.”

“I’m very pleased that our Connecticut State Department of Education is in the forefront nationally in promoting this kind of program. A Student Success Plan can be a key component in the promotion of adolescent development. Development and learning are inextricably linked and also synergistic. Young people who are developing well will learn well, and young people who are not developing well are not likely to learn well,” said Dr. Comer. “All kids need support for development, particularly at this age in our complex society when there are so many decisions to make, and when it is so easy to make the wrong choices. That’s why it is particularly important to focus on development. If we focus on development and preparation for life, our children will learn.”

Reflecting on his address, Dr. Marion Martinez said that “Dr. Comer has been a wonderful supporter of the student success planning process because it integrates development and learning, thus preparing students for more successful lives.”