Project Breakthrough began at DeKalb High School in August 2005 as an outgrowth of District 428’s Diversity and Inclusiveness Task Force. Superintendent Paul Beilfuss and the school board launched the project to foster a more inclusive learning environment and improve the climate at the high school. The Project Breakthrough Team (PBT) is made up of high school students and staff, parents, and community leaders. The initial team was 30 members strong, including three central office administrators and facilitator Robin Stearnes of The Stearnes Group, who was hired as a consultant and trainer for the project.
The first step in the project was training. The Stearnes Group completed leadership development training with the school board and district administrators in December 2005. In addition, Northern Illinois University conducted cultural sensitivity and awareness training during the fall of 2005 for district staff, administrators, and bus drivers.
The team achieved its first breakthrough goal by implementing a tool to measure school climate. An Organizational Health Index Survey was conducted with the entire DeKalb High School staff in November 2005. In addition, a Student Climate Survey was done with a stratified sample of the student population to obtain their input regarding school climate. Feedback from these surveys was used to create focus group questions for student discussion groups and will be used as a tool for in-service development of staff.
A subgroup of PBT, the Focus Group Team, was established to review student feedback from the Student Climate survey. To delve deeper into issues raised by the survey, the group developed questions to drive discussions with small groups of DHS students. Students from diverse groups and grade levels were invited to participate in the focus groups. Five groups of 7-10 students met in September 2006. PBT student members and DHS peer mediators were trained to lead the discussions. Northern Illinois University students served as recorders. The student-led groups allowed for honest feedback from students, without self-censoring caused by the presence of a teacher or other adult. The Focus Group Team is currently analyzing information received from these student meetings.
Another subgroup, the Measurement Team, focuses on implementing measurement tools to assess progress. This group has designed a strategy to create a DeKalb High School profile binder that will contain all of the statistical data to measure areas such as discipline, academic achievement and attendance. This data is obtained through a program called Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS). PBIS is a systems approach to discipline that emphasizes prevention, instruction on social skills, and data-based decision making to both reduce problem behavior and improve academic performance.
A third subgroup, the Transition Team, will design a model for establishing and maintaining breakthrough teams throughout the district. This includes team application forms and a process for recruiting students, staff, parents and community members. The team will also define member roles and responsibilities and time commitments.
Expansion activities for the 2006-2007 school year are based on successes experienced at the high school. The Project Breakthrough Team will continue to utilize the measurement tools and focus group discussions at the high school. They will also introduce these tools and focus groups at Clinton Rosette Middle School, Huntley Middle School, Jefferson Elementary School, and Tyler Elementary School.
For comments, questions, or to volunteer for Project Breakthrough, contact breakthrough@dist428.org.