Nashville Schools Take a Step in the Right Direction
We all know the types of high school students who are seen as potential leaders, like those on the debate team, in the math club, or on the student council. These kids are the typical leaders of the United States of America of the future. They are lucky enough to have their special skills noticed while they are still in school. But what about the other role models who aren't as well known? Even the kid in the back row who spends more time in detention than in class?
No one would blame you if you cringed at the thought of these students being shown as leaders. Nashville schools think that a group of students who are "low on achievement but high on potential" can make a difference in the world through a brand-new programme. Metro Nashville schools are so sure that these students can make equal or better contributions to society if they are just given a little push that they are working with community groups to spread this idea.
Metro Nashville Public Schools: Finding Role Models
Alignment Nashville is a group that wants to bring together Nashville schools and community groups like the YMCA and Hands on Nashville. They want to make it easier for these groups to work together by making a more organised framework. Earlier, well-meaning attempts to get Nashville schools and volunteer groups to work together failed because they weren't organised. This time, the focus is on putting plans into action instead of just talking about them. The group has started a few programmes at two Metro Nashville Public Schools to help students who have leadership skills but are not using them because they are busy with other things. In other words, it's meant to bring out the best in at-risk teens who might not have had a chance at any roles in school, let alone leadership positions.
Nashville Schools Are Making Unlikely Leaders
This inspiring programme in Metro Nashville Public Schools gives students who have been left out a voice and draws them into leadership roles in the system. It does this in a surprising way. Staff are asked to put forward students they think are on the edge of the school but could do better if given the chance.
The programme then tries to reach out to these students through reading programmes, discussions, journaling, and improving their ability to solve problems and work as a team. Students are taught to communicate well and to value differences. Even though it's still too early to tell how well this programme will work, Metro Nashville Public Schools officials say that changes can already be seen. Students in the programmes are already taking on leadership roles in their schools, clubs, and even other groups in the area. Long-term, Nashville schools hope that this good programme will lead to fewer students dropping out, fewer fights in school, and an overall better school environment for everyone.
