Strengthening Character Through the Arts
Caddo Parish School District is definitely proactive when it comes to intervention. Our district has been using best practice models for everything related to character development, bullying prevention, and positive behavior support since 2000. Nowhere is this more evident in all 72 schools and all grade levels than through the arts. Art teachers strengthen character at the early childhood education through 8th grade levels through art projects and literature teachers in 9th-12th grades use their venue to discuss historically-important individuals who exemplify good character traits. Students then complete essay assignments related to character development. Schools create their own contest and forward first-place winners in all grades to the district contest. All district level participants are recognized and winners receive trophies or medals. Grand-prize winners are recognized at the board level and some even by local news media.