FAQs
What is DEFINE? DEFINE is an afterschool & weekend program offering innovative curriculum and engaging instruction in character and leadership development for American Muslim children K-‐8th grade. What is DEFINE’s vision? “Bridging the gap between faith and character.” Why does my child need DEFINE? Most full-‐time schools lack the time, resources, and innovation to offer enriching curriculum for the meaningful and intentional teaching of emotional intelligence. Yet Harvard Business Review reported that research by Daniel Goldman indicates emotional intelligence is twice as important in career performance than technical skills or IQ. At senior levels of leadership, emotional intelligence accounts for up to 90% of the difference between low and high performers. DEFINE offers a unique program that allows parents to reinforce critical skills their children need to succeed in school, career, and life. Participants of our program can: ü Navigate through the tumultuous middle and high school years and build internal motivation ü Find purpose and understand how to manifest faith through character ü Set themselves apart from the rest on their High School and College Resumes ü Cultivate better relationships with friends, family, colleagues, and the community How does DEFINE work? DEFINE’s original curriculum is based on a 3-‐tier framework on social, emotional, and ethical intelligence. Our character coaches facilitate project-‐based learning in which students are able to take a deep dive into a particular character trait project, such as gratitude, fear, or happiness, to name a few. Each project runs for about 3-‐4 weeks and integrates various disciplines, including arts and physical education. The depth and research that goes into each project brings about better awareness, retention, and self-‐ reflection for the children.
What is social, emotional, and ethical intelligence? Social intelligence is the ability to navigate complex social relationships. Emotional intelligence is the ability to have self-‐awareness, regulate emotions, empathize with others, and have internal motivation. Ethical intelligence is the ability to recognize right from wrong and being able to make difficult decisions to bring benefit and prevent harm. The chart below lists strengths of mastering each area of intelligence: Social Emotional Ethical Intelligence Intelligence Intelligence Team Player Flexible Respectful Influential Confident Values-‐driven Communicative Self-‐Aware Integrity Collaborative Motivated Courageous Conflict Resolution Accountable Trustworthy Inspiring Empathetic Humane What ages does DEFINE serve? Currently we are taking students K-‐12th grade.
How much does it cost? Currently we offer weekend camp on Sundays. The cost is $1,080 annually per child
payable through up to 9 installments of $120 per month. Registration fee is $200 annually per child, 50% of which is waived for a limited lime; $30 discount for making the entire payment upfront. Sibling and low-‐income family discounts are available. Where is it located? Convenient location for Valley Ranch, Irving, and Coppell communities at 8001 Jetstar Dr., Irving, TX 75063.
What are the hours? Sundays, 10 AM – 2 PM. Afterschool hours and logistics will be announced soon. Subscribe to our mailing list on www.defineafterschool.org to stay up-‐to-‐date.
How can DEFINE help me as a parent? Faith is manifested through character. The home is the first place for building values and learning good character. DEFINE seeks to supplement and provide meaningful context to that through our original and engaging curriculum and parent workshops.
How will I know my child is making progress? Every project culminates with a closing event that allows students to present their work to their class and parents. Coaches also provide feedback on student achievement of goals. What is unique about DEFINE? o Accessibility to the 90% of Muslim students attending public school. o Leadership Framework infused with Quranic & Prophetic character o Project-‐Based Learning o Continuous training & development of character coaches o Multiple activities under one roof Who are our coaches? One of DEFINE’s primary focuses is development of our character coaches. We understand that the quality of the coach makes a huge impact on the success and engagement of the child. We are invested in recruiting coaches that are able to make meaningful connections with their students and act as mentors. DEFINE supports its coaches through continuous high quality training for professional and personal growth.