After launching in 15 pilot schools in September 2025, Memphis-Shelby County Schools is scaling 7 Mindsets across the district—turning early implementation lessons into a shared, systemwide approach. Senior leaders and educators across elementary, middle, and high school campuses describe early signs of progress: stronger student engagement, growing confidence, and more students willing to speak up as mindset-based learning takes hold.
From Pilot to Practice: How 7 Mindsets Is Taking Root District-Wide in MSCS
By Memphis Shelby County School Newsroom | Feb. 3, 2026
As Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) expands the 7 Mindsets social-emotional learning (SEL) program district-wide, senior leaders are reflecting on lessons learned from the 15 pilot schools that began implementing the program in September 2025. Designed to support students’ confidence, self-awareness, and relationships alongside academic learning, the program was tested across elementary, middle, and high school campuses. Now, as MSCS moves toward full implementation, educators from those pilot schools say early signs of impact are already visible: students are more engaged, more confident, and more willing to share their voices.
At Hanley Elementary, counselor Leatryce J. Edwards-Stanley said the program was introduced to staff during weekly meetings and later integrated into the school’s routine through “Magnificent Mindset Fridays” during the social-emotional learning block. “The students really enjoy the lessons and are always actively participating in the activities,” Edwards-Stanley said. She noted changes in how students interact with peers and engage during instruction. “Some students’ levels of confidence have increased simply from being heard,” she said. “When students understand themselves, they make better choices.”
