scale of maturity

See below for the scale of maturity that is utilized in The Grade. Over time the students are challenged to go to the next level of maturity through classes and mentoring. The below is read and discussed during the Freshmen Seminar class on "Character and Maturity".

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Mature

Strong, others-centered: “What can I do for you?”

Wants to be respected

Self-control; achievement-oriented

Active (directed by inner goals and ideals)

Able to concentrate; self-possessed

Tough; welcomes challenges (opportunities)

Many interests; seldom bored

Bored with elementary-level reading and activities

Interested in the past (causes) and distant future (implications)

Vision encompasses distant lands, cultures, people, affairs

Curious about things not immediately understood; like to account for things

Interests include both the physical and nonphysical (sports, reading, issues, ideas, people)

Good manners toward everyone; respect for others

Ethics based on a well-formed conscience

Sees his way of dressing as outward show of inner self-respect

Likes to collaborate with others

Immature

Weak, self-centered: “What can you do for me?”

Wants to be liked

Impulsive; amusement-oriented

Passive (directed by others)

Short attention span; fidgety

Soft; shuns challenges (problems)

Few interests; easily bored

Bored with higher-level reading and activities

Concerned only with present and immediate future

Vision is constricted by immediate surroundings

Uncomfortable with (ridicules) anything not immediately understood

Interests almost exclusively physical (sports, horseplay)                   

Little respect (manners) toward people

Ethics based on fear of punishment

Indiscriminate way of dressing

Wants to dominate/manipulate others