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Narrative: The Metro Nashville Davidson County Schools realized a need to focus on decision making skills of 8th grade students to assist them in determining their course of study in high school. CHOICES is a national program that enlists the assistance of local employers in helping students realize the outcomes of their decisions by providing curriculum for two, two-hour sessions over a two day period. The curriculum includes students developing an "I Care" statement; defining who they are; time management; financial management and a job hunt homework assignment on day 1. On day two the employer reviews the homework assignment with students; students develop a life timeline; teaches school decisions and career consequences of those decisions; connect school to work; and look at the future impact of education and life.
It Works! Since the pilots in 2000, 11 schools and 76 employer volunteers have participated in the program. A total of 1766 students have had the opportunity to have a CHOICES day in school. Student reactions have included the following statements:
"I finally decided to plan my future."
"I should get a good education to get a good job."
"It is very important to make good choices in life because it will reflect on your life."
"Nothing will happen for you unless you make it happen."Contact:
Dr. Denise Bentley
Metro Nashville Davidson County Schools
2601 Bransford Avenue
Nashville, TN 37204
(voice) 615-259-8596
(fax) 615-259-8715
E-mail: denise.bentley@mnps.org