WIL’s ongoing Lives Over Time study, which began in 2013, continues to shed light on the key social emotional factors that lead to overall life satisfaction in adults with learning disabilities. These factors were organized into a social emotional framework: Qualities of a Sustainable and Independent Learner (QSIL). Recently, WIL hosted our Annual Alumni Panel event, bringing a group of Winston Preparatory School alums together and giving current juniors and seniors the opportunity to ask questions about life after Winston. Our alumni highlighted how the QSIL skills that they gained throughout their time at Winston impact their ongoing development and independence as young adults, demonstrating the tangible long-term value of these skills. For example, Winston graduates shared that utilizing QSIL skills allows them to be receptive to feedback, comfortable asking questions, organized and self-sufficient, and open to friendships with new people. It is evident that the skills of the QSIL are an integral part of their post-graduate success and satisfaction. 

 

On campus, these key QSIL skills are explicitly developed and assessed annually using the Winston Essential Skills Survey (WESS). Our ongoing assessment-based research allows us to gain a deeper understanding of our students’ social emotional development over time and the relationship between learning, social emotional skills and effective programming. Further, given our mission to expand our reach beyond our campuses, we are working to make the WESS available to educators outside of Winston, supporting all students with learning disabilities on their journeys towards becoming independent learners.

 

As we continue to prioritize our boundless commitment to assessment, learning, and research, we remain an active leader and participant in the ever-evolving study of learning and learning disabilities, directly applying findings to provide our students with the optimal learning experience while also influencing the field of education.