Indian Creek schools begin leadership initiative
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MINGO JUNCTION -- Students and staff in the Indian Creek Local School District are learning how to become effective leaders through a new initiative.
The district has joined forces with FranklinCovey Education of Salt Lake City to utilize the "Leader in Me" school improvement model to treat the universal challenges of academics, culture and leadership. Dave Baker, a coach and consultant from Columbus, visited Indian Creek Middle School to form a Lighthouse Team with nearly two-dozen teachers and selected students from grades 6-8.
During the first of several sessions slated throughout the year, the team discussed ways they could implement practices and enable students to be college-, career-, community- and life-ready. The group also began developing drafts of mission statements to benefit students and help them succeed both inside and outside the classroom.
Since its formation, "Leader in Me" has been utilized in 5,000 U.S. schools and 50 countries worldwide. Results have shown a 7 percent increase in state science test scores, a 31 percent decrease in discipline referrals, a 34 percent increase in positive social behaviors and a 96 percent positive impact in developing leadership skills. Officials have also noted significant improvement in student behavior, school attendance, staff support for student academic, personal and emotional development, family engagement, staff satisfaction, reading and math proficiency and student-led learning, among others.
Baker said it is based on educator Stephen Covey's book, "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People," that include "Be Proactive" (taking control of choices and actions); "Begin with the End in Mind" (setting goals and visualizing what you want to achieve in the future); "Put First Things First" (prioritizing your time and energy on what's truly important to you); "Think Win-Win" (seeking solutions that benefit yourself and others and fostering a cooperative mindset that values collaboration, fairness and mutual success); "Seek First to Understand, Then to be Understood" (listening, empathizing and trying to see things from other perspectives in order to build stronger relationships, resolve conflicts and find common ground); "Synergize" (embracing teamwork, cooperation and open-mindedness to create something greater than what can be achieved alone); and "Sharpen the Saw" (taking care of your physical, mental and emotional well-being by engaging in activities that renew and recharge you to maintain balance, enhance personal growth and perform your best).
"It's a comprehensive school improvement model and fosters leadership, culture and academics within school settings," he added.
By focusing on those three key areas, he said it will drive involvement among students and staff, build a high-trust environment in schools and student achievement and improve learning.
"We are working to identify leadership roles they take and they will work with staff on the implementation process," he added, saying he was pleased to see Indian Creek involved. "We are very fortunate to be in the district and we're learning a lot."
Baker has also visited Hills Elementary and will be at Indian Creek High School and Cross Creek Elementary in July. He said the middle and high school teams involve students and teachers, but the elementary teams are only staff and students will be added later. Sessions are planned throughout the school year and the overall program will be rolled out over time.
Several middle school students said they were excited to be part of it all.
"I like it because you learn things and can teach other kids," said sixth-grader Faye Reaume.
"I'm happy about it," added sixth-grader Lily Zinsmeister. "We can work together."
ICMS Principal Holly Minch-Hick said it was a tremendously impactful evidence-based program that builds leadership, life skills and academic achievement in schools. About four children from each of the three grade levels were selected to attend after being identified as a positive influence on others, while she noted the fifth-grade will be added during the next year.
"There are great principles people can apply to their life and it's timeless," said Minch-Hick. "I'm excited about the potential and it gets kids more engaged and active in learning. This will be rolled out over the next several years and there are 'Leader in Me' schools all over the world (that) have improved test scores, plus there are social-emotional benefits. It promotes students taking ownership of their learning and finding a leadership role. I think it's going to be great for the school and district."
She added that the program was suggested by district Superintendent T.C. Chappelear, who invited a FranklinCovey representative to a previous school board meeting to discuss the initiative. Chappelear was excited about the program and said it will evolve over the next four years.
In addition to schools, FranklinCovey has worked with businesses as well as federal agencies, U.S. military branches and NASA.