Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) has kick-started a new initiative aimed at enhancing students' social and emotional learning. The district unveiled the 7 Mindsets program as a dedicated department for the entire K–12 student body, a move that is first of its kind in the district.
The program is structured to help students foster a positive approach to both learning and their day-to-day lives by setting lofty goals and welcoming opportunities. According to the official press release from MSCS, by January of next year, every student within the system will participate in weekly lessons following the 7 Mindsets curriculum, which starts with the mindset that "Everything Is Possible."
As part of the training for this ambitious program, MSCS staff met on September 29 for a comprehensive session on how to deliver the 7 Mindsets material to students. This training included attendance staff, RTI2-B specialists, and school-based leadership, all learning the ins and outs of supporting students through each of the seven mindsets. Dr. Lori M. Phillips, MSCS Director of Social-Emotional Learning, shared her enthusiasm for how this can positively impact students' mental health and resilience, telling MSCS, "Now more than ever, our schools need a shared language of hope, resilience, and connection."
Starting this month, the rollout will begin with 15 model schools—comprising an elementary, a middle, and a high school from each region—before becoming a district-wide initiative. The structure of lessons involves an inspirational quote, ice-breaking activities, video content, group discussions, reflective journaling, and a "challenge activity" that allows students to apply the lessons learned. Elsewhere in the country, the implementation of the 7 Mindsets program has been linked to improved student behavior, attendance, and academic performance, with one Georgia school noting that at-risk students saw their state math test passing rate shoot from 24% to 80% after receiving instruction on the mindsets.
Moving forward, the seven mindsets—Everything Is Possible, Passion First, We Are Connected, 100% Accountable, Attitude of Gratitude, Live to Give, and The Time Is Now—will form the core of MSCS's approach to teaching. Aleasha Stevens, Senior Project Manager with 7 Mindsets, stated in a press release, "Memphis-Shelby County Schools embodies this Mindset – from the boardroom to the classroom their passion for educating the whole child fuels the future success of their students, staff, and community."
The MSCS is positioning itself as a leader in fostering a culture of optimism and tenacity in its schools with this 7 Mindsets initiative. The program is more than just a curriculum; it is envisioned as a means to reveal to every student their boundless potential. As MSCS rolls the program out, they are doing so with the expectation that it will facilitate the growth of mindsets that will serve their students both in school and throughout their lives.
