Developing and Understanding Self and Others

A couple of years ago we made the decision to offer exploratory classes at Central Junior High School. They had been absent from the curriculum and we were wanting to make a change that would benefit our students.  Teachers were asked to contribute courses that spoke to them and that they could get excited about teaching.  Our parent group was asked what they would like to see offered.   Many traditional suggestions flew around the room but something special emerged. Mrs. Swann, our 7th grade English teacher, suggested DUSO. The acronym stands for Developing and Understanding Self and Others.

The course is a character education class that uses the six pillars of character as its foundation. Students also take part in field trips designed to lend a helping hand to our autistic students including accompanying them to Special Olympics events.  Mrs. Swann has a unique connection to autism and brought her valuable experiences to the class and students saw her commitment right away.

This class quickly became the most requested exploratory class we offer.  Once other students got to see how special this class was and how devoted the teacher was, it became popular. The word on the street was that this class was not only about learning how to act, it became about how we should treat other people. The word spread and now kids line up to take part in learning the non-cognitive skills that create leaders and more empathetic students. 

We have been astonished at how a small idea has festered into the accepted culture of a school building. Now two other buildings in our district are slowly becoming DUSO schools. I can't tell you how proud I am of Mrs. Swann for being a change agent. She may not have set out to be but great ideas cannot be hidden. Teachers set out to do the right thing for kids. This is what makes great schools.  Relationships encourage kids to show up and meaningful classes make them want to stay.

We tend to get hung up on test scores and national issues that may not apply to to our local communities. The fact is our schools are packed with teachers like Mrs Swann and they are leading kids. This is just another thing you won't find on the state tests.  Soft skills or non-cognitive skills can't be measured but they can be greatly valued by our communities. 

I would like to salute Mrs. Swann, CJHS and our district staff that recognizes the value of the DUSO model and the value of growing kids and future leaders.  More programs like this would breathe life into many schools struggling to find their way in the fog of accountability and testing.  Maybe the spark ignited at CJHS will light fires all over the place.