Creating a Culture of Accountability
Taking responsibility for one’s actions includes apologizing and changing hurtful behavior.
Middle School is a critical phase of growth and exploration for students. As they navigate academics, social dynamics, and personal development, it’s expected that they will make mistakes along the way. Our focus at LJCDS is teaching students how to respond to and grow from missteps. We aim to instill the importance of taking ownership of their actions and learning from their experiences.
In her Ten Essential Elements of Dignity, Donna Hicks, Ph.D., defines accountability as “taking responsibility for your actions.” She emphasizes that owning up to one’s behavior includes apologizing when dignity is violated and committing to change hurtful behaviors. Being accountable involves recognizing the impact of our actions on others, which upholds the dignity of others and our own.
In the Middle School, we foster accountability through various practices. Simple actions like turning in homework on time and reaching out to teachers for support, as well as more complex responsibilities such as preparing for student-led conferences and holding restorative conversations when disagreements arise, all contribute to building a culture of accountability.
How can you help cultivate this culture at home?
- Openly practice taking responsibility for your actions and behaviors. Parents and guardians serve as powerful role models for their children. Apologize when you make mistakes and share what steps you will take to make it right.
- Create a safe and supportive environment where your child feels comfortable discussing their successes and failures. Encourage them to think about their actions and their impact on others. Ask them how they can make things right when they make a mistake.
- Establish and communicate clear and consistent expectations. Knowing the boundaries and what is expected provides children a framework for learning conversations if they step out of bounds. Remember the power of positive reinforcement when a child takes responsibility for their actions.
- Increase the number of responsibilities. As your child grows older, increase their responsibilities at home. This promotes independence, boosts confidence and teaches problem-solving skills. If they have an excuse for why something wasn’t done, ask questions to help them identify options they had to complete their task.
- Support and reinforce the school’s disciplinary policies and procedures. This collaborative approach between home and school reinforces accountability and demonstrates a partnership that students can see, creating a stronger sense of responsibility for expectations both at school and home.
By working together as a community—educators, parents and students—we can create a culture of accountability that empowers our middle schoolers to thrive academically and socially.
