Since 2004 Growing Edge Training Associates has provided services as part of the

Pressley Ridge Institute

259 N. State Street, 2nd Floor /  P.O. Box 691 / Westerville, OH 43086-0691
Phone #s 412-321-6995 (office) or 614-783-6314 (cell)  / Fax to: 775-261-5462 /
Email link for Mark Freado

Response Ability Pathways [RAP]
Restoring Bonds of Respect 

NEW FROM THE CIRCLE OF COURAGE

The Response Ability Pathways [RAP] curriculum provides essential training for building respectful environments in schools and  youth organizations.  

RAP offers “basic training” for success with challenging children and youth.

RAP is a universal curriculum providing essential skills for all who deal with young persons in the family, school, or community.  Children and youth need supportive persons who respond to their needs rather than react to their problems.  RAP provides these response-abilities to guide young persons on pathways to responsibility.

RAP applies resilience science to meet the growth needs of all young persons.

Children need opportunities to develop belonging, mastery, independence, and generosity.[1] RAP is grounded in research evidence on resilience, brain science, and positive youth development.[2]  RAP translates the latest research into practical methods for building strengths in all youth, even those presenting difficult behavior problems.

RAP is a powerful alternative to either punitive or permissive approaches.

This training counters current punitive approaches that lock adults in conflict with young people. Instead of reactive, coercive interactions, young persons are enlisted as responsible agents in positive change.  RAP deals with problems by focusing on strengths and solutions. Brief “teaching moments” instill positive behaviors and values. Rather than enforcing obedience, RAP sets high expectations for youth to take responsibility and show respect for self and others. 

 RAP taps and develops the innate strength and resilience of young persons.

The course focuses on three interventions: connect, clarify, and restore. These are the normal “abilities” of the resilient human brain: we are born with abilities to connect to others for support, clarify challenging problems, and restore harmony and respect. Training is highly experiential and enlivened by videos and small group practice. Participants to gain specific competencies so they can disengage from adversarial encounters, connect with adult-wary youngsters, and restore bonds of respect. Training leads to RAP certification, and two semester hours credit can be arranged.

RAP I:  The Resilience Revolution  A stimulating one day introduction to RAP.  

Children on the Edge
        Pain-Based Behavior
        Reactive or Restorative Climates
        Courage and the Resilient Brain  

RAP II:  New Tools for Success   Two days of practical experiential learning.     

Connecting to Challenging Students
        Disconnected, Disrespectful, Discouraged
        Brain Science on Connecting
        Practical Strategies for Connecting

Clarifying Problems and Potentials
  Private Logic and Thinking Errors
  Brain Science on Coping with Problems
  Practical Strategies for CLEAR Thinking

Restoring Bonds of Respect
  Instilling Responsibility
  Building Strengths and Supports
  Pathways to Courage and Respect

 RAP training uses “universal design” principles relevant to all settings.  

RAP is useful to all professionals and lay persons who deal with youth.

This course is highly rated by educators, counselors, social workers, psychologists, youth workers, and staff in treatment and juvenile justice settings. The skills also apply to parents, foster parents, and mature youth who are peer helpers or mentors.  A calendar of RAP training is listed at www.reclaiming.com. Certified RAP trainers can also bring on-site training to your school, organization, or community.

Contact Information:

Mark D. Freado, Director, Re-EDucation Training & Consultation, Pressley Ridge Institute; Executive Director, American Re-EDucation Association
259 N. State Street, Suite 200
PO Box 691
Westerville, OH 43086
Phone: 614-783-6314
Email: mfreado@pressleyridge.org