BreakAway Models

BreakAway employs three conceptual models that drive its prevention efforts. First is the Arenas of Action. The Purpose Continuum, across the top of the graphic, includes the possibilities which extend from development (or prevention) to problem solving (or remediation). The Focus Continuum, down the left side of the graphic, begins with the individual and expands to include groupings of people, such as the family, the peer group, the school and larger arenas such as the school district or the city. The four arenas represent four equally important parts of a balanced school community. The interplay between and among the quadrants raises many useful questions about how the school community can best use its resources for promoting the academic success of students. The BreakAway Program focuses its efforts on intentionally creating conditions that promote the academic success of students in the school community.

A basic concept of BreakAway is School as Community. If the school is a community, then all its members (those who come into the school each day) can work together to build and develop a better school community. BreakAway provides the means the methods, the values and the strategies for building the school community. The school is a special kind of community that has a special kind of educational mission. BreakAway is a framework that emphasizes building on the strengths of the school community that already exist. Each member of the school community (students, faculty, administration, staff, parents) has a perspective that is valuable to include. Creating the opportunity for responsible participation in changing those conditions that will build on strength and reduce barriers to learning is the goal. Community exists when two or more people work together to achieve mutually desirable goals that promote well-being.

The first model used in the BreakAway program is the Arenas of Action.

The second model used in the BreakAway program is the Elements of Change. This is the workhorse of the Program that maps out the change in culture the members of the school community (students and adults working together) wish to see happen.

  • A, or Conditions A, represents “What’s happening now,” or the current reality.
  • B, or Condition B, represents the desired outcome, or the goal of the BreakAway
    effort.
  • The lower line from A to B represents the indicators that will help determine
    movement from A to B.
  • The arrow represents the steps you will take to get from A to B, or the program
    activities.

The third model in the BreakAway Program is the Spectrum of Attitudes which focuses on the nature and quality of relationships between and among people. The Spectrum of Attitudes helps adults build effective partnerships with students so that maximum change in the school culture can be achieved.

BreakAway is built upon the following three theories:

The Theory of Participation: When people have an opportunity to participate in decisions and shape strategies that vitally affect them, they will develop a sense of ownership in what they have determined and commitment to seeing that the decisions are sound and the strategies are useful, effective and carried out. This theory is basic to a democratic society.

The Theory of Responsibility: Strictly and practically speaking, no person can ever be responsible for another person. One can only be responsible for oneself in relation to another person. How one takes responsibility for oneself in relation to other people helps determine the quality of the relationship. When people agree to work together toward mutually desirable goals that promote their mutual well being, a sense of corporate or community responsibility emerges. This theory is basic to good interpersonal relations.

The Theory of Changing Conditions: When people work together to create conditions that promote their mutual well being, not only is a clear sense of the common good strengthened and pursued, but the individuals involved are provided opportunities for person growth and development as well. This theory is basic to effective community development.

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