“At-Promise Students”: Practical Approaches for Students Considered “At-Risk” - EDU-X728V

Course Description

Master Practical Strategies to Reframe the "At-Risk" Narrative into "At-Promise," Empowering you to Foster Motivation, Resilience, and Success in all Students

"At-Promise Students": Practical Approaches for Students Considered "At-Risk" is a professional development course designed to equip educators with the knowledge, strategies, and mindset needed to support students who are often labeled as “at-risk.” This course reframes the narrative by recognizing these learners as “at-promise,” emphasizing their potential and resilience. Through evidence-based practices and culturally responsive approaches, participants will explore how to foster motivation, implement effective classroom management techniques, engage families and communities, and support students’ mental health and well-being. By the end of the course, educators will be empowered to create inclusive, supportive learning environments that nurture the academic and social-emotional growth of all students.

Offered through the University of San Diego’s Division of Professional and Continuing Education in collaboration with the university’s School of Leadership and Education Sciences , the program prepares you to apply best practices to plan, deliver and assess character education in the classroom.

This professional development course, is led by distinguished faculty from the School of Leadership and Education Sciences (SOLES). SOLES Professional Learning (SPL) educators bring a rich blend of academic expertise and practical, real-world experience to support meaningful learning and application.

Learner Outcomes

• Define and critically examine the concept of “at-risk” and “at-promise” students, including the social, cultural, and systemic factors that contribute to these labels
• Identify and implement strategies to foster motivation and resilience in students facing academic, behavioral, or socio-emotional challenges
• Apply effective classroom management techniques tailored to the unique needs of at-promise students to create inclusive and supportive learning environments
• Develop approaches for meaningful family and community engagement that strengthen support systems and promote student success
• Integrate trauma-informed practices and mental health supports into daily instruction to address the emotional well-being of students and build safe, nurturing classrooms

Course Details

Number of Units: 1.0 graduate level extension credits in semester hours

Who Should Attend: This course is ideal for students, educators, community leaders, and professionals seeking to deepen their understanding of social justice and apply it in personal, academic, and civic contexts.

Refund Policy: To receive a refund, students need to drop the course through the MyPCE@USD student account portal before midnight (11:59PT) on the third day of the course. The refund of the course fee will be returned less a processing fee of 10% of the course tuition. No refunds will be issued after this deadline.