Dexter families are likely familiar with The Helm, which represents The Learner Profile. This profile outlines nine key skills that Dexter students work on daily. The goal? For every student to master these skills by the time they graduate from Dexter High School.
But how are these skills actually taught and practiced? What does Kindness & Empathy look like for DHS students coding in Applied Computer Science? How does Financial Literacy come to life in a DEEC kindergarten class? This series will unpack the Learner Profile to help everyone understand the Dexter Community Schools guiding principles.
December: Collaboration
In December, teachers, staff, and instructional coaches focused on Collaboration–working effectively with, and learning from, others in a variety of personal and professional contexts. Dexter students collaborate each and every day in the classroom, demonstrating the ability to work effectively and respectfully with different teams. Upon graduation, students are able to exercise flexibility and willingness to be helpful in making necessary compromises to accomplish a common goal. They are capable of assuming shared responsibility for collaborative work, and value the individual contributions made by each team member.
Collaboration in Action
Here are some DCS staff- and student-reported examples of what Collaboration looks like, feels like, and sounds like around the District:
- Students are encouraged to work together, share ideas, and learn from each other's perspectives.
- Classrooms are organized to facilitate conversation and collaboration, with multiple whiteboard surfaces and calculators available for use.
- Students engage in discussions, debates, and critical thinking exercises that promote mutual understanding.
- Collaborative activities and group discussions in the classroom promote social skills, communication, and problem-solving.
- Collaborative learning strategies, such as group work and discussions, promote student agency and critical thinking skills.
- Teachers emphasize the development of collaboration and effective communication skills in the classroom.
Here is an an example of how Wylie Elementary 3rd grade teacher Jim Barnes emphasizes Collaboration in his classroom:
Photo credit: SEMIS Coalition Facebook page.
For the past few years, Mr. Barnes and Jared Ten Brink, indigenous scholar and Ph.D. candidate at the University of Michigan, have collaborated to implement a curriculum focused on indigenous food sources. Mr. Barnes teaches third grade students about the history and food sources of indigenous communities around the Great Lakes. Alongside Ten Brink, he uses the curriculum to explore both past and present indigenous cultures, encouraging students to ask questions about their way of life and the importance of food sources. These questions led to discussion of which indigenous communities live in Michigan and how the Great Lakes environment shapes their way of life.
This project was developed in collaboration with the Southeast Michigan Stewardship Coalition. SEMIS is a network of schools, educators, students, community partners, and researchers that support young people to become critical problem solvers and stewards of the Great Lakes using place-based and ecojustice approaches. The Wylie students’ learning was shared with their school, SEMIS community partners, and other students and teachers across Southeast Michigan when they presented at the SEMIS Community Forum in May 2024.
Mr. Barnes’ dedication to place-based learning and his long-term collaboration with Mr. Ten Brink earned them the SEMIS Powerful Place-Based Partnership Award in May 2024. Additionally, in February 2025, Mr. Barnes was honored as the MiSTEM Integration Educator of the Year. In his acceptance speech, he exemplified the spirit of collaboration:
"I feel like this award is more than just for me; it truly belongs to all the community partners I’ve worked with. Without their collaboration, support, and friendship, this wouldn’t be possible—it’s an achievement we share together."
By focusing on one competency each month, DCS helps students recognize their strengths and areas for growth. These concrete examples reinforce the skills and prepare students to confidently share their experiences when asked, “What are your core strengths?”
Next month’s competency: Personal Responsibility & Resilience
- collaboration
- curriculum