Sustainable Spirit: A Case Study of Whole Child Reform Cultivating Wisdom, Courage, Compassion

• In Event: Virtual Poster Session
  In Virtual iPresentation Only: Division A - Section 1: Leadership Virtual Poster Session

Abstract

As students face rising anxiety, depression, and disconnection in an age of technological saturation, a national teacher shortage reflects the strain of meeting complex needs. This case study explores a district in the State of Michigan piloting ‘whole child’ reform. The research explores how ‘whole child’ frameworks implemented through a multi-tier support system have the potential to nurture the human spirit—beyond academic and social-emotional development. Grounded in Daisaku Ikeda’s framework of global citizenship—centered on wisdom, courage, and compassion—this research positions ‘whole child’ systems work as a transformative approach to school improvement. To address students’ full humanity, educational processes must promote not only mental, physical, and emotional growth, but also recognize the spiritual dimension as essential to belonging, purpose, and well-being.

Author

• Diane Martindale, DePaul University