Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) is taking a bold new step toward building a stronger culture of student success and well-being. On Monday, September 29, the district officially launched the 7 Mindsets program as a stand-alone K–12 department; the first of its kind in MSCS.
The program is designed to help students develop a positive outlook on learning and life, encouraging them to set ambitious goals and embrace opportunities. By January, every MSCS student will take part in the curriculum, with weekly lessons across all grade levels. Each month will focus on one of the seven mindsets, beginning with “Anything Is Possible.”
To prepare for this work, MSCS staff gathered on September 29 for a districtwide 7 Mindsets training session. Attendance staff, RTI2-B specialists, and other school-based leaders learned how to deliver the curriculum and support students through each mindset. This was the first in a series of professional learning opportunities that will continue throughout the school year. Participants shared their enthusiasm for how the program can boost students’ mental health, strengthen resilience, and promote overall well-being across schools.
The rollout will begin this month with 15 model schools (one elementary, one middle, one high school from each region) before expanding districtwide. Students will engage in weekly lessons that follow a structured format: an inspirational quote, an icebreaker, a video, group discussion, reflective journaling, and a “challenge activity” to apply what they’ve learned.
Nationally, schools that have adopted the 7 Mindsets program report significant positive outcomes in behavior, attendance, and academics.
- In a Texas middle school setting, teacher referrals dropped by 67%, detentions by 35%, and in-school suspensions by 40% when 7 Mindsets lessons were implemented.
- In a Florida high school, one study saw a 42% decrease in out-of-school suspensions over a 12-month period in a school that adopted 7 Mindsets compared to a similar school that did not.
- In an urban middle school in Minneapolis, disciplinary referrals dropped substantially: the suspension rate fell from 9.5% to 3.4% after introducing the program.
- On the academic side, at-risk students in Georgia who received 7 Mindsets instruction saw their passing rate on a state math test rise from 24% to 80%, a 56-point gain.
MSCS leaders are hopeful the program will have the same impact locally.
“Now more than ever, our schools need a shared language of hope, resilience, and connection. The 7 Mindsets curriculum is important for our district because it empowers not only our students, but also our teachers, school leaders, and parents with the tools to dream bigger, build stronger relationships, and navigate challenges together,” said Dr. Lori M. Phillips, MSCS Director of Social-Emotional Learning. “My hope is that this work creates a culture where every member of our community feels supported and inspired to grow – so that our schools are places where greatness truly thrives.”
The seven mindsets at the heart of MSCS’s implementation are:
With 28 lessons total, students will have multiple opportunities to reflect on who they are, how they relate to others, and how they can become change agents in their communities.
“At 7 Mindsets, we know that putting Passion First is a key mindset that most successful and happy people share,” said Aleasha Stevens, Senior Project Manager with 7 Mindsets. “Memphis-Shelby County Schools embodies this Mindset – from the boardroom to the classroom their passion for educating the whole child fuels the future success of their students, staff, and community. As the Senior Project Manager dedicated to this partnership, I am honored to walk side by side with MSCS leadership in growing great mindsets together.”
As the program rolls out across MSCS, the district is proud to lead the way in fostering hope, grit, connection, and a forward-looking spirit in its schools. The 7 Mindsets initiative is more than a curriculum; it’s a way for every student to see their own limitless potential.
If you have a story about a MSCS student, teacher, or school to highlight, please email us at communications@scsk12.org. Include the school name, story details, and an SCSK12.ORG email for follow-up.