Dickson County Chamber of Commerce - Education

What Are We Doing in Dickson County Schools?

 

. . . at the elementary schools
 
At the elementary level we are continuing with the Operation Outreach Program. Not only does the program concentrate on the development of good reading skills, but it also emphasizes the importance of honesty, hard work, responsibility, and qualities that our society needs to be successful.

Also at the elementary level, schools are hosting Careers on Wheels. In this activity, business people take vehicles used in their work to the schools. Students then go from vehicle to vehicle visiting with the business people and examining their vehicles. They have a ball being able to get in semis, toot horns, see inside a hearse, try out sirens, etc. These are loud, fun events that introduce students to the work world of Dickson County.

Teachers have been very innovative in providing activities that introduce their students to the fact that what they are learning will help them with careers when they grow up. Their classroom activities are geared to create an awareness of the many different types of work that go on daily in our world.
 
. . . . at the middle schools
 
In the middle grades we are integrating business with education at the curriculum level. Based on input from a committee of business people and educators, the middle school curriculum includes activities that bring the business world to the classroom. Business speakers in the classrooms, class tours of businesses, job shadowing, technology modules, and career days and activities are components of the career exploratory curriculum.

Career Awareness Day is held in the Spring each year. Eighth grade students from the middle schools spend a day visiting workplaces to get a feel for what different career areas are really like and what educational skills they require. Students also visit the Tennessee Technology Center at Dickson and learn about educational opportunities it offers.

Classroom teachers join forces with business partners in all areas of the curriculum in activities that validate the relevance of school to the students’ futures. In these activities students see first hand the interest of these adults in what students are learning.
 

We offer the CHOICES program for all eighth graders. This two-day seminar presented by business people is designed to help students make the connection between school and work and to understand that every choice they make has ramifications for who they will become. Everyone gains from this program.
 
. . . . at the high schools

For high school students, we are working to establish internships and apprenticeships with local employers. Also we want students to be introduced to the relevancy of what they are learning through classroom speakers who bring the real world to these young people.

We are developing relationships between teachers and businesses through classroom speakers whereby a business person and teacher work together to create activities for the students. The business partners serve to validate the importance of the curriculum that the partner teacher is teaching.

Also we are working with the high school and business leaders to develop new activities for students and teachers. An effort to acquaint seniors with local job opportunities and the benefits that go with these jobs is being planned. This effort may include plant and business tours, business academies, inservices, and business support for school activities. A new program, The Reality Store, is also planned.