In today’s classrooms, education is about more than mastering facts, it’s about preparing students to think critically, work together, and build skills that will serve them for a lifetime. At Butler County Middle School, those lessons came to life in a 6th grade reading class where students practiced true collaboration in preparation for their upcoming MasteryConnect Benchmark assessment.

Principal Tim Freeman recently visited Mrs. Wilson’s classroom and witnessed students actively engaged in a group learning exercise that showcased the Portrait of a Learner indicator of Collaboration. Far from a routine review session, this activity required students to step into defined roles — Recorder, Organizer, Spokesperson, and Researcher — and bring their unique contributions together for shared success.

“Each student had a job, and each job mattered,” Freeman said. “The groups weren’t just answering questions. They were defending their answers, building consensus, and learning how to respectfully debate when disagreements came up.”

The activity revolved around StudySync-generated questions aligned to the reading curriculum. Students worked in teams of four to answer questions, then presented their reasoning to the class through their designated Spokesperson. This structure not only strengthened subject knowledge but also required students to listen carefully, explain clearly, and evaluate evidence as a team. When groups disagreed, Mrs. Wilson facilitated constructive debates that pushed students to refine their thinking.

By emphasizing collaboration, this lesson highlighted one of the most essential skills in Butler County’s Portrait of a Learner framework. Collaboration teaches students how to share responsibility, respect diverse viewpoints, and build solutions together — skills that go beyond test preparation and extend into college, careers, and community life.

“This was more than preparing for a benchmark,” Freeman added. “It was about preparing students for the real world, where the ability to work effectively with others is one of the most valuable tools they can carry with them.”

The energy in the room reflected that purpose. Students leaned into their roles with focus and determination, building not just stronger answers but stronger relationships. They learned that their voices matter — and that together, their collective strengths create better outcomes.

Butler County Schools’ Portrait of a Learner pillars — Character, Problem Solving, Communication, Collaboration, and Global Citizenship — serve as a foundation for developing well-rounded students. This classroom snapshot is one of many examples across the district where teachers and students bring these values to life in meaningful, everyday ways.

As Butler County Schools continues its mission of fostering lifelong learning and resilience, stories like this one illustrate how the vision of “One team with one vision that makes us Butler Strong” is lived out daily. By teaching students how to collaborate, Butler County is preparing them not only to succeed academically but also to thrive as contributing members of their communities.

About Butler County Schools

Butler County Schools is committed to providing a high-quality education that prepares students to excel academically, socially, and personally. Guided by its Portrait of a Learner framework, the district emphasizes durable skills such as Character, Problem Solving, Communication, Collaboration, and Global Citizenship, ensuring that every student graduates ready to succeed in a rapidly changing world.

For more information about Butler County Schools and its Portrait of a Learner initiative, visit Butler County Website.