Personal Power: One who possesses Personal Power has the inner power to manage one’s own life in a responsible manner. They feel competent in making positive decisions and using their skills to fulfill responsibilities. They realize that they are in charge of their own life.

Mental Models: One who possesses Mental Models utilizes models from their lives to develop values and standards that are positive and contribute to their success. They have learned what standards are considered valuable and will use them to reach their goals. They know where they are headed and understand that using strong models to follow will help them get there.

When evaluating my students with the Checklist of Behavior Indicators, I could place many of them on the list in various categories. Most of them would fit mainly on one side but with a few characteristics from the other. My students who displayed more of the Low Personal Power attributes were ones who exhibit more explosive outbursts or express more frustration. My students who registered in the Low Mental Models side seemed to be more of my passive-aggressive type of students.

Your statement. . ."Personal power is an individual’s sense that he can influence his own life circumstances" jumped out at me. There are so many children who do not see influencing their circumstances even remotely possible.

Your comment in regard to social outcasts is also well taken. I can't imagine going to school day after day and knowing that no one cares about me. I believe that we aren't meant to be alone and that all people need somebody or somebodies. Life for some of our students are endless circles of loneliness.