Strive BCS

I searched the definition of “politics” the other day via Google—it’s really about how people in groups make decisions, solve problems, and distribute resources; fundamentally, how society works together to govern itself. In this sense, much of life is shaped by systems, including education and the field of .

Currently, the world feels divided. Now more than ever, we need to come together and ADVOCATE for marginalized communities, especially those who are fearful, unheard, or at risk.

At Strive!, we stand for evidence-based practices grounded in compassion, dignity, and cultural humility. I have spoken, and will continue to speak about the pride I feel as a first-generation Latina and as part of the 14.31% of who identify as Hispanic/Latinx.

At Strive!, we want our current/future mentees and trainees to practice cultural humility—understanding the nuances of language, reflecting on bias, prioritizing consent, and honoring the cultural context that every learner and family brings. That means translating documents, using interpreters, and finding culturally responsive resources is no longer a “perk”— its a must. It’s how we honor the dignity and humanity of the families we serve.

Lastly, having tough conversations and advocating for those we serve has to start with us. Just because science tells us we can do something, it doesn’t always mean we should, not without humanity at the center.

Stokes & Baer (1977) taught us that generalization isn’t automatic. It doesn’t just “happen” once a skill is mastered in session. Too often, we teach the skill… but don’t plan for how the skill should be used and applied:
📍in new places
📍with new people
📍when life is messy and unscripted

That old idea of “train and hope” sounds good, but hope is not a strategy. If a skill can’t travel, it’s not truly learned.Let’s keep centering:
✅ Generalization in planning
✅ Examples across contexts
✅ Skills that support real autonomy

The work that we do as a or is not limited to just teaching skills; our overall goal is to help our learners use them in the real world. 💛

Strive! Community: important reminder for this season, and frankly, a great daily reminder too. 👻🎃🧡

🥳 Have a safe and happy Halloween later this week, folks!