Middle Level Leader - Middle Level and High School Collaboration
A recently released research report found that only 2 in 10 eighth graders are "on target to be ready for college-level work by the time they graduate from high school." One of the key inferences from this report is that helping all students succeed is not a high school issue, not a middle school issue, and not an elementary school issue—it’s an "everybody" issue. If we want to lower our nation’s drop-out rate and help all students be ready for college-level work by the time they graduate, then we must all work together. This month's Middle Level Leader examines ways middle level schools and high schools can better work together.
Our lead article is written by Maureen Furr, principal of South Mecklenburg High School in Charlotte, NC. For nearly 30 years, Maureen worked at the middle level and in 2004 was a recipient of NMSA's Distinguished Educator Award. Now, as a high school principal, she reflects on what she wished she’d known about high schools during her years as a principal "in the middle." Maureen is also a member of the NASSP Middle Level Task Force.
Patti Kinney
Principal, National Center for Middle Level Leadership
What I Wish I Had Known When I Was a Middle School Principal
Maureen Furr worked at the middle level for 30 years as a teacher, AP, and principal—and just recently became a principal at the high school level. Reflecting on the perceptions—some accurate and some inaccurate—that she held for so many years, Furr shares counsel with others who may not have yet had the breadth of experience she now enjoys. (Continue reading)
From the Field—Middle and High School Collaborations
Schools from Colorado, Virginia, Oregon, and Maryland share how their middle level and high school partnerships have helped ease the transition for freshmen into the ninth grade, have improved academic alignment, and have increased opportunities for cocurricular collaboration. (Continue reading)
News and Notes
Research Shows Critical Nature of Middle Level Education
The Forgotten Middle was recently released by ACT and indicates that students who are not on track for college and career readiness by eighth grade are not likely to attain that level of readiness by high school graduation.
In a press release issued the day of the report, NASSP and NMSA joined together to acknowledge the importance of this research:
"The Forgotten Middle provides strong evidence of the critical role middle level schools play in college and career readiness, maps a clear set of nonnegotiable knowledge and skills needed by eighth graders, and directs us to ‘turn our attention to the students in the forgotten middle to help ensure that they are prepared to benefit from the high school experience.’ ACT’s research makes a significant contribution by identifying the most important factors for student success: academic achievement and academic discipline. Armed with this knowledge, our nation’s middle level principals and teachers must actively engage in raising standards, upgrading curriculum and assessments and providing a preK–12 learning environment and supports that all students need to succeed."
Hear the Latest NASSP Podcast
Debbie Phelps, mother of Olympic Champion Michael Phelps, is also a middle school principal and a member of NASSP. Listen to an interview with her as she shares how her experience of raising a son with ADHD has influenced her as a principal and has encouraged her to personalize her school for ALL students.
Portal for Middle School Math and Science Teachers
Something to share with your math and science teachers! The National Middle School Association, in partnership with The Ohio State University and Education Development Center, has created a Middle School Portal for math and science teachers. Created specifically for middle school teachers, it provides a direct path to selective online resources for instruction and professional development from the National Science Digital Library. To enter the portal, go to http://msteacher.org.
Dissertation Competition
The deadline for entering this year’s dissertation competition is January 5, 2009. If you are a doctoral student who has completed and successfully defended your dissertation between July 1, 2007, and June 30, 2008, consider applying for the NASSP Middle Level Dissertation Award (a high school award is also available). Winners receive a complimentary one-year NASSP membership, a cash award of $1,000 (members) or $500 (non-members), and a commemorative plaque. Candidates must submit a completed application and a dissertation abstract. Questions about the competitions should be directed to Carolyn Glascock, 800-253-7746, ext.202, or glascockc@principals.org.
Breaking Ranks in the Middle Training
Looking for help with school improvement issues? Consider bringing a leadership team to a BRIM training. This training offers middle level leaders the tools and strategies to help address the unique challenges facing middle level schools. National trainings will be held in the Washington, DC, area on January 23–24 and April 3–4. For more information on these trainings or on how to bring training to your area, contact Rebecca Wise at 800-253-7746, ext. 329, or wiser@principals.org.
NASSP Convention Highlights
Plan now to attend Convention in San Diego, CA, February 27–March 1.
Middle level offerings are alive and well at this year’s Convention, so don’t miss out. Come a day early and visit a showcase of successful middle level schools including William Thomas Middle School (ID), Gaspar de Portola Middle School (CA), Ashe County Middle School (NC), Hopkins West Junior High School (MN), Conrad Ball Middle School (CO), and Lake Highlands Junior High (TX).
Support Your Music Program!
Take advantage of a FREE pre-conference offered by the National Association for Music Education. This experience is designed to help members of NASSP explore the impact of quality music education offerings and how the school and community can develop strategies that build and enhance their music programs. The event will be held on Wednesday, February 25, 2009, 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m., in Carlsbad, CA (located 30 minutes north of San Diego). Meals for the day will be provided and you will be reimbursed for one night's lodging through the generosity of the NAMM Foundation. This experience is limited to the first 25 applicants, so e-mail your reservation or questions to lynne@menc.org. Please include your name, address, e-mail, and telephone number.