Kennedy Elementary School (Lindsay USD)

Why Kennedy Elementary School (Lindsay USD) was nominated

Kennedy students come from the most rural areas of the district and are largely from agricultutral and farm working backgrounds. The school (and district) is deeply focused on student agency and ensuring learners have the skills needed to be lifelong learners. The school is emplying a research-based agency model to equip learners with the skills needed to self-direct. They are also competency-based which is supportive of the agency model. Finally, the school is very focused on connection and belonging., LUSD designed and implements an Early Agency Model to nourish learners’ agency and the range of skills that underpin it. The model provides ample opportunities for learners to set meaningful goals, make plans to achieve those goals, take action, and reflect on progress along the way within a supportive context. Additionally, it cultivates a wide range of skills that fuel lifelong learning, which include academic knowledge and skills, learning-to-learn skills, and positive mindsets.