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.
November: Content Knowledge
In November, teachers, staff, and instructional coaches focused on Content Knowledge, the important facts and skills students need to learn in order to succeed in college, careers, and life. This means building a strong understanding of challenging subjects and learning how to use that knowledge in new situations. It also means being able to apply what they’ve learned on their own.
Content Knowledge in Action
Here are some DCS staff- and student-reported examples of what Content Knowledge looks like, feels like, and sounds like around the District:
- Students use technology (computers) to locate answers/information and communicate with peers, showing an understanding of how technology can be used to facilitate learning.
- Students listen to a podcast and analyze the data to demonstrate critical thinking skills.
- Students demonstrate engagement and motivation when interacting with a topic, indicating a strong connection to the material.
- An adult’s (teachers, paras, support staff, etc.) enthusiasm for their work inspires students to take an interest in similar topics outside of the classroom.
Students are not afraid to make mistakes or ask questions, knowing they can receive guidance and support from the teacher. - The classroom atmosphere is calm but productive. Students are focused on the task at hand while still engaging in discussions and debates.
- The learning environment promotes a growth mindset, where students view challenges as opportunities for learning and development.
- Students are able to reflect on their own learning processes and apply what they've learned.
- A teacher's use of guiding questions encourages students to take ownership of their problem-solving and decision-making skills.
Here is an example of what Content Knowledge looks like in Creekside teacher Rachel Wilson’s 5th grade band classroom:
When students enter fifth grade, they are given the opportunity to dive into a new content area: learning a musical instrument. This new skill builds on content learned in elementary school music classes, such as reading music, recognizing musical pitches, and performing in groups. However, learning a new instrument opens up an entirely new content area, involving everything from how to put an instrument together to how to make a sound, play notes, then perform songs as an ensemble. It's a brand new ability, like learning to read or write, but one uniquely available to fifth grade students.
Participating in band or orchestra, students demonstrate their grasp of content knowledge daily. In the beginning, they learn how to properly hold their instrument and make a sound, and after just a day or two they can do it by themselves. Their ability increases on a daily basis by playing their instrument with their peers in small instrument groups. Students routinely work with partners or in small groups on fundamental music skills like rhythm, note reading, and key signatures. The content builds on itself, giving students the ability to take something they've learned in one situation, such as playing a certain note, and applying it to a new, unfamiliar situation, like playing a new song.
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: Collaboration.
- Content Knowledge
- Music