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Simple, Street Smart, Successful
Getting a student to do well in school, to complete homework assignments, to participate in class, to score high on tests, to concentrate, to focus, to learn, all begins with one small seed---
MOTIVATION!
The Building Inspiration to Fight Failure Project, also known as The BIFF Paradigm Project, is a motivational urban middle and high school reform initiative, that is succeeding in 80% of the cases, with a measurable impact in as little as nine weeks. BIFF motivates economically and academically challenged youth, at-risk of failing in school, by helping them to:
- Change negative peer pressure into positive peer support
- Discover what motivates them to learn and how they learn best
- Learn “the rules of the game" for academic success.
The Curriculum
BIFF is an innovative after-school program that begins with 12 intensive lessons delivered over a nine-week period. Like the 12 Step Program used in drug rehabilitation, the 12 lessons presented in the BIFF core curriculum bring kids to a crossroad where they can see two paths very clearly. One path – the path they are on – leads to failure and mediocrity. The other path – the BIFF path – leads to excellence and prosperity. It is an easy choice and 80% of the students who finish BIFF choose the path of success.
The lessons taught in the curriculum help students boost their skills in the following areas:
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Listening
Reading Speed
Study Skills
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Concentration
Memory
Organization
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Attention Span
Speaking
Test-Taking
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Motivation
Confidence
Multi-Model Learning
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Once a student completes all 12 lessons in the BIFF core curriculum, he/she is initiated into the BIFF alumni club and is eligible to attend monthly follow-up meetings and participate in the incentives program designed to reward high academic achievement. Since we are trying to create a new paradigm where “it’s cool to be school smart," we have developed a number of incentives to reward students who transition from failing to the Honor Roll. Incentives like limousine victory rides, pizza parties, gift certificates, and a year-end trip to Six Flags Amusement Park for Honor students helps to keep students motivated.
The Results
For most students BIFF is not just a quick fix, but a permanent life changing experience. Students who graduated from BIFF three or four years ago are still on the Honor Roll and continuing to excel. Our results are as follows:
- 100% of BIFF 8th and 10th grade alumni passed the MCAS (Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System Exam) in English and Math.
- 80% of BIFF alumni, who were previously failing in school, are passing all of their classes with a 70% average or higher grade.
- 65% of BIFF alumni are maintaining a 78% average or higher in core subjects.
- 30% of BIFF alumni have gone from failing to the Honor Roll.
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Need more help with student motivation?
Visit www.student-motivation-for-better-grades.com.
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