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Story posted February, 2008

Results:
• 40% drop in suspension rate
• Attained 95% average daily attendance
• Attained highest reading scores in the city

Herrington Elementary is located just four blocks from the Pontiac Silverdome, longtime home of the Detroit Lions. It's fitting, then, that teamwork is the hallmark of the school's efforts to create a great, safe place where all children can learn.

What brought this small elementary school with 360 students to the big leagues of innovation in public education? The answer is Herrington's emphasis on character education for all students. With the support of the United Auto Workers and GM, Herrington has built a curriculum and a culture that puts an emphasis on common values.

An example of the school's unique approach is the "Harambee," an African term for gathering. Every morning, all students and adults in the school meet in the Herrington multipurpose room for the Pledge of Allegiance, character trait quotes, special announcements and a recitation of "I Am Somebody." Student birthdays are recognized with three claps and a "Whoop!"

Character education, of course, doesn't stop there. Every month, Herrington staff and students focus on one of eight character traits identified in the Michigan Comprehensive Health Model: respect, responsibility, citizenship, trustworthiness, hope, caring, justice and courage. Classroom activities, posters and other public displays, and parent newsletters all draw attention to that month's character trait or value. In addition, a "Keys to Character" flier is sent home with each student so parents can describe how their children have demonstrated the character trait at home.

In a related effort, Herrington Elementary developed the Partners in Prevention program to help reduce school violence and equip students with skills in conflict resolution, problem solving and self-esteem. With an emphasis on self-discipline, students monitor their own behavior through a series of reflective exercises, while working with teachers to develop customized discipline plans. A Partners in Prevention coordinator trains students in mediation skills, and an organized group of fourth and fifth graders serves as a mediation resource for their peers.

"We want all students to be able to distinguish what is right, care deeply about what is right, and then demonstrate what is right," said Dr. Letha Hopkins-Powell, character education chairperson at the school. "We strongly strive to help all students to become productive, ethical citizens in this ever-changing world."

Powell added that the school's emphasis on character education has had benefits beyond ensuring that students have a strong sense of values and ethics. Since starting the character education initiative in 2001, the school consistently has maintained an average daily attendance of 95 percent. Also, suspensions have dropped considerably and scores on the Michigan Education Assessment Program (MEAP) have reached new heights. Today, reading scores at Herrington are the highest in the city.

Dr. Powell said the main takeaway from the Herrington experience is that a school's culture is intimately connected to student performance. "Herrington's students have the opportunity to participate in a learning environment that promotes academic achievement and good character as the lifeline to success and happiness," she said.

Further details about this story can be found in our source:
Character Education Partnership, "2006 National Schools of Character: Award Winning Practices" under "The Community Connection: A Strong Bond" (p 14-17), 2006

Photo courtesy of Character Education Partnership