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Spotlight on Innovative Approaches to Meet Students’ Needs

West Seaford Elementary Student Empowerment Program

The Student Empowerment Program at West Seaford Elementary offers students the opportunity to design programs to increase student achievement and responsibility. Students in kindergarten through fifth grade are encouraged by teachers and the administration to create their own programs or student interest groups, with the goal of improving on student development and/or school performance. Students have designed programs that focus on such areas as peer mentoring, safety, and community service projects to provide students opportunities for positive academic and social experiences outside of normal classroom work. Although the program began in 2006-07, it has already led to the creation of several student interest programs/initiatives, including Guidance Boys, Basketball Club, Cheerleading Club, Safety Patrol, Student Newsletter and Student Led Morning Announcements. These programs have led to increased student attendance, student mentoring and community service.

How does it work?

• Through the Student Empowerment, students approach the school guidance counselor, or any other staff member, to discuss their interests in implementing a school program. Once the premise of the program is solidified, the guidance counselor matches the student(s) with an appropriate staff sponsor to help implement and oversee the student group. For example, the idea behind Guidance Boys came from fifth grade students concerned about a classmate’s well-being. With the guidance counselor acting as sponsor and advisor, the boys formed a group of students who regularly mentor other students to become more successful in school academically, socially and behaviorally. To participate in any leadership groups, students must first inform and gain permission from families. Parents have acted as mentors and advisors when needed.
  
  

What are the results?

• West Seaford Elementary School’s commitment to increasing student involvement and achievement has led to the creation of several innovative student-operated groups. Throughout the past year, over 60 students have participated in these student-created groups. And additional proposed programs are under examination, including a school dog to teach responsibility and a skateboarding instructional video. Results include:
  • Student attendance has increased. For example, a student with previous chronic attendance issues now leads a group to promote better student attendance, and a student with multiple suspensions asked to meet with the principal to discuss an activity that he felt would help him control his frustration.
  • Student mentoring has increased. For example, a new student unable to speak English is mentored by an older student able to speak the student’s language.
  • Students seek out ways to contribute to the community, including supporting the soldiers in Iraq; anti-littering and recycling, reuse campaigns; and collecting money for shelter pets.

How does Vision 2015 address Student Empowerment?

Vision 2015 recommends:

• Provide students with real-world learning opportunities
• Put students at the center of all decisions that are made in school and districts
• Promote innovation in schools to best meet students’ needs
• Meet the diverse interests and learning needs of students
• Increase efforts to inform and involve parents and families

Where can I learn more?

West Seaford Elementary School’s listing of other exemplary programs