Mark Twain Elementary’s Success Story

For the past four years, has been recognized as a Missouri School of Character, a Missouri Gold Star School, a National Blue Ribbon School and last year became a National School of Character.

Unlike today, Mark Twain Elementary could not brag about these achievements in 2002 when academic performance was low, students discipline were high, and bullying was tolerated.

With new leadership from Principal Karen Smith, and the commitment of a caring staff, parent, and student community, things began to change. The school culture and the academic performance improved and the staff evolved. Smith had successfully engaged the Caring School Community program in her previous school, lead by CHARACTERplus, a local educator professional development organization focused on improving school culture.

That program's components include cross-age buddies, interview connections, all school activities and class meetings. Smith successfully transferred these strategies to Mark Twain, thus helping form meaningful connections among students, staff and parents.

In addition to the Caring School Community program, Smith attended the Leadership Academy in Character Education (LACE) that examines the process of change and leadership skills necessary to initiate school-wide transformation.

"The partnership with CHARACTERplus allowed us to provide professional development and form collegiate relationships and support with other schools. As we were determining what we wanted our school to be, it was important that we included student voice, a climate of belonging and a sense of confidence," Smith stated.

Today, academic performance is high, discipline referrals are low, and bullying is not tolerated what-so-ever.

For more information, visit the CHARACTERplus website www.Characterplus.org.