The SDP/Comer Process In Westbury

The School Development Program (SDP) was founded at the Yale University Medical School by a man named James P. Comer. He is the Maurice Falk Professor of Child Psychiatry at the Yale University Child Study Center and Associate Dean of the Yale University School of Medicine. Dr. Comer founded this program to answer the question of differences in development under similar circumstances and as an approach to focus school and learning on the "whole child." More information about the man and the program can be found at the School Development Program site.

Dr. James P. Comer

Photo Dennis Cleasby

The Comer Process is based on these three key assumptions:

• Academic learning rests on a foundation of consistent progress along six pathways critical to human development: physical, psychological, language, social, ethical and cognitive.
• Many of today's children come to school with developmental gaps that impair their ability to learn.
• All students can reach high levels of academic achievement. They are entitled to the opportunity to reach their highest potential.
• Schools must provide children with the developmental opportunities they lack.
• Schools cannot meet this challenge alone, but can mobilize people, including parents, to help meet the developmental needs of the students.

• The School Planning and Management Team (SPMT) develops a comprehensive school plan, sets academic, social and community relations goals and coordinates all school activities, including staff development programs. Team members include: administrators, teachers, support staff and parents.
• The Student, Staff Support Team (SSST) promotes desirable social conditions and relationships by addressing student services, individual student needs, resources and prevention. Team members include: principal and staff members with expertise in child development and mental health.
• The Parent Team involves parents in the school by developing activities through which parents can support the school's social and academic programs. Team members: parents.

All three teams and subcommittees adhere to three guiding priniciples:

• No Fault: Focuses on solving problems rather than placing blame.
• Consensus: Decisions made through dialogue and understanding. Can I live with that decision?
• Collaboration: Encourage team work on all levels. Build relationships.