STRONG Basics
STRONG is designed for what grade levels?
Elementary through Secondary/High School
STRONG is intended for which students?
Newcomer students who are experiencing difficulties functioning or coping and/or who may benefit from additional skill development
How do you teach students about inside strengths in session 1?
Showing the inside strengths handout example and allowing students to write/draw to complete the sheet or complete it verbally with the group.
In the individual session, how do you explain the rationale for talking about difficult things?
Stepping into cold water example
How does the manual explain Investigative Questioning?
Like being a "thought detective" and asking oneself a series of questions to come up with more helpful thoughts.
What is the ideal number of students for a group?
6-8
What is the name of the tool suggested for determining eligibility for group?
Student Eligibility Checklist
In Session 2, how do you teach students the connection between thoughts, feelings & actions?
2 triangles with different examples (e.g. championship soccer game and your team is winning; the other team scores and is ahead by one point)
What do you emphasize as students share their journey?
The student's strengths and supports
What are the 'Steps to Success'?
A list of small steps to work towards something the student wants or is willing to work toward, including something they've been avoiding.
How many group sessions and individual sessions are part of STRONG?
10 group sessions
1 individual journey narrative session
What are the first two questions on the Student Eligibility Checklist?
When did the student arrive in this country?
When did the student enroll in this school?
In the elementary manual, what book do you read aloud to students in session 3?
A Terrible Thing Happened
What types of questions do you ask as you screen for Post-Traumatic Stress?
Questions about re-experiencing
Questions about avoidance
Questions about physiological arousal
Questions about mood
What are SMART goals?
Specific
Measurable
Achievable
Relevant
Timed
In what ways does STRONG engage caregivers?
Consent process
Parent Education session
Weekly letters
What is the suggested amount of languages to facilitate the group?
No more than 2.
What are the first 4 relaxation exercises introduced in Sessions 1-4?
Deep Breathing, Muscle Relaxation, Body Scan and My Calm Place
If the students has completed their Journey Narrative, what is left to do with them before group sessions 8 and 9?
Review Journey Narrative with the student using the My Journey worksheet and prepare them for the parts they will share with the group
What are the problem-solving steps?
Define what the problem is.
Brainstorm possible solutions to the problem.
Identify pros and cons.
Choose the best solution based on pros and
cons.
Try out the solution you choose and see what
happens.
In what ways do we connect with teachers?
Student identification process
1 teacher group/education session
What type of information is included in the Parent Summary Handouts?
An overview of each session and the suggested activity
In session 4, what do you teach students that is related to FEELINGS?
Measuring and Managing Feelings (e.g. feelings thermometer)
What do you do if students endorse symptoms of post-traumatic stress?
Discuss options for continuing to process their journey either through meeting with the STRONG leader individually, working independently with another trusted adult, and/or seeking additional mental health supports in the school or community.
What is the 'Skills for Success' talked about in session 10?
A handout for students to reflect on what they have learned throughout the group and ask them to choose three of their favorite coping skills