The Hinds County School District (HCSD) is partnering with the University of West Alabama (UWA) to implement the Whole Child Model in four HCSD school communities.
The partnership connects HCSD to a national initiative involving UWA, Transcend, and the U.S. Department of Education’s Education Innovation and Research (EIR) program. The initiative focuses on reimagining the student experience by strengthening school culture, positive relationships, student belonging, engagement, and academic achievement.
Participating schools include Bolton-Edwards Elementary Middle School, Gary Road Intermediate School, Raymond Elementary School/Carver Middle School, and Utica Elementary Middle School.
Through the partnership, participating schools will receive coaching, professional learning, and resources to implement the Whole Child Model. The approach incorporates three key components: CARE, which strengthens positive classroom environments and relationships; Boost, which provides targeted student supports; and Family Circle, which promotes meaningful family engagement. Achievers, families, and educators will also have opportunities to help shape school improvement efforts.
The initiative directly complements HCSD’s Transformation Design initiative, known as The HCSD Way, which focuses on five priorities: Culture and Belonging (Ubuntu), Leadership and Life Skills (Kaizen), Literacy and Communication (Lumen), Engagement and Learning Experiences (Élan), and Expectations and Excellence (Arête).
Superintendent and Chief Learner Dr. Mitchell M. Shears emphasized the connection between the partnership and the district’s vision for school transformation.
“Transformation is not simply about improving test scores. It is about reimagining the experiences we create for our Achievers every day,” said Shears. “Our Transformation Design Teams are grounded in the belief that every Achiever deserves to belong, grow, learn, engage, and excel. This partnership strengthens that commitment by helping us create environments where students feel valued, families are engaged, and academic excellence is the expectation.”
“We cannot expect different outcomes if we continue providing the same experiences. The HCSD Way is about designing the experiences that produce the outcomes we desire.”
The partnership also supports the district’s F.L.E.X. Framework: Focused Leadership, Learning, and Literacy to Elevate eXcellence, and its continued commitment to becoming an A-rated district.