In response to these insights, the district adopted
and expanded several recognized leadership development models in a multi-school character development initiative. At Dyersburg Primary School,
a Positive Behavior program for K-2 students
encourages kids to be respectful, responsible, and
ready for learning. The Leader in Me program
implemented for grades 3-5 at Dyersburg Intermediate gets kids thinking early and often about
goal-setting and personal development. Further
character education happens in many dimensions
for older students at Dyersburg Middle and Dyersburg High schools.
Part of the process for younger kids is adoption
of responsibilities ordinarily taken on by adults.
Elementary kids take ownership of keeping classrooms and hallways clean. Many classrooms have
a designated “greeter” – a child responsible for
immediately hopping up for an introduction to any
visitor to the room, taking time to explain what’s
happening, get a bottle of water for the visitor,
and checking to see what the visitor needs. School
therapy dogs can provide a range of services to
students, from spending time with high-need kids
to providing a nonjudgmental ear for
children practicing their reading skills,
as well as another outlet for development of student responsibility – kids
are charged with various dog care
needs.
“It’s unbelievable what it does for the
attitude of students and teachers when
you walk in with a dog,” Mr. Durbin
said. “It is the cheapest, most effective
intervention that we have.”
At Dyersburg Intermediate, all
fifth-graders attend a leadership class
taught by school librarian Kari Bernier for a total of four weeks during
the school year. Kids learn about
45
interpersonal communication, getting along with
others, and public speaking. Presentation skills are
explored for speaking to groups and individuals.
Students consider what it might mean to have a
professional or social persona. The underpinnings
of responsibility and leadership are developed
and reinforced.
“It opens doors in any number of ways, in all sorts
of fields. When they get older and into those leadership roles, they’re ready,” Ms. Bernier said.
At Dyersburg Middle and Dyersburg High schools,
students are responsible for aspects of school
operations including management of message
boards, production of presentations and ads, and
district-wide technical support. Designated middle and high school ambassadors guide visitors
around the schools. All older students face big
consequences for being late to class. If they aren’t
in their seats and ready to learn when the bell
rings, they aren’t permitted to attend the class.
Instead they complete the work in an alternate
setting until the next period.