Middle Level Leader - Becoming a Writing Role Model

December 2010

For nearly four decades, NASSP has been assessing and studying the skills of school leaders. Through this process, 10 skills have been identified that cover the bulk of what school leadership entails (these skills are described in 10 Skills for Successful School Leaders). Interestingly, even though writing is an almost daily task in the life of a school leader—reports, notes, newsletters, memos, observation summaries, the list goes on—written communication consistently shows up as one of the most needed areas for improvement.  

Ask any effective writing teacher how students can best improve their writing and the answer will be "by writing." In this issue's lead article, author and former middle level teacher Ross Burkhardt challenges principals and other school leaders to take the lead in promoting writing across the curriculum by serving as a role model for writing. And just think, in addition to helping your students see the value of writing, your own skills will be sharpened as well!

Wishing you a happy and peaceful holiday season,  

Patti Kinney
Associate Director, Middle Level Services

By Ross M. Burkhardt

Middle level practitioners across America believe in the value of writing across the curriculum. The practice of young adolescents putting pen or pencil to paper—or, in our current culture, putting fingers to keyboard—is a learned competence, one that demands time, training, and example. Further, most educators agree that individuals who write well—that is, those who can compose text confidently, correctly, concisely, and with the occasional whiff of elegance—possess a worthwhile, marketable skill. (Continue reading)

By Dedra Stafford

Is today's "Net Generation" really learning? Some say that the kids of today are not focused and are over stimulated in this hyperlinked world of instant communication and instant information. They spell using text lingo and forget to capitalize the "I" in a sentence. They want pictures, hyperlinks, and fast information. They avoid long strings of text and want a "quick fix" for the answer. Are they a product of the digital age that we have created? Are they doomed to fail? Maybe not. (Continue reading)

In honor of Veterans Day, the student council at A. Vito Martinez Middle School (AVM) in Romeoville, IL, hosted a "Pizza for Patriots" fundraiser and other related events to benefit USA Cares, a charity that provides post-9/11 military families in need with financial and advocacy support.  

Student Council Advisor Anita Hilton shared, "We had multiple goals: to increase appreciation for and awareness of the hardships that result from military service and to raise funds for veteran and military families who are struggling for no fault of their own."  

Many of AVM's teachers and staff purchased custom USA Cares T-shirts that read "I care too!" on the front and, "AVM CARES about soldiers, about sailors, about coasties, about airmen, about marines, about military families, about America's bravest!" on the back. The student council advertised for the fundraiser with military-related slogans such as "Pizza for Patriots" and "Operation: Eat Pizza." Student Council members pre-sold tickets for pizza slices that were delivered to school the afternoon before the Veterans Day holiday. Students who purchased pizza were dismissed from their last class 10 minutes early to enjoy the pizza in the cafeteria, while patriotic pop music played and a Veterans Day tribute slideshow was projected.  

The Student Council also incorporated an educational component highlighting that "freedom is not free." Through morning announcements, a slideshow, and posters, students learned that beyond the obvious risks of military service, thousands of military families cannot afford basic needs because of extended deployments and the ensuing loss of income for reservists and guardsmen. They also learned how many combat-injured veterans, including those with traumatic brain injuries or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, cannot afford to stop working to receive necessary medical treatment. Additionally, they found out that veterans have a significantly higher unemployment rate, often because of injuries and the likelihood of redeployment.  

"The Pizza for Patriots fundraiser was a win-win event, since students loved having an opportunity to eat their favorite local pizza while at school and all of the proceeds benefitted deserving veterans and military families," said Hilton.

Save the Date
Back for the fourth summer, Rick Wormeli will present a two-day workshop for school leaders, Grading in the 21st Century: Create a Plan for your School. This interactive, hands-on workshop will take place on June 30 and July 1 in Reston, VA. Come and plan to stay for the July 4th festivities in Washington, DC. Watch for further details in this newsletter and on the NASSP Web site.  

In the meantime, check out a couple of resources on this topic that Wormeli has produced for NASSP, including a podcast on differentiated grading and the article, Leadership for Grading Practices in the Differentiated Classroom.  

Rick also has a Web site available that contains videos, podcasts, study guides, articles, and FAQs about differentiated grading. Check out this free resource at www.stenhouse.com/fiae.

Dissertation Competition
If you are a doctoral student who has completed and successfully defended your dissertation between July 1, 2009 and June 30, 2010, consider applying for the NASSP Middle Level Dissertation award. 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. Deadline for submission is midnight, January 5, 2011. To submit an application, click here. Questions about the competitions should be e-mailed to Carolyn Glascock or call 800-253-7746, ext. 202.  

No Name-Calling Week
According to a GLSEN report, 47% of middle level students identified bullying, name-calling, or harassment as somewhat serious or very serious problems at their school. Additionally, 69% reported being assaulted or harassed in the previous year and only 41% said they felt very safe at school. Call attention to this issue by participating in No Name-Calling Week, January 24–28, 2011, of which NASSP is a supporting partner. This week of educational activities can help schools initiate the dialogue on ways to eliminate bullying in their communities. Go to www.nonamecallingweek.org for more information.  

NASSP School Showcase
Come early to the NASSP Conference in San Francisco and attend the school showcase. NASSP and The Center for Secondary School Redesign are teaming up to present the third Breaking Ranks School Showcase on February 24, 2011. Learn student-centered strategies from 17 high-performing middle level and high schools on how to increase student achievement, involve parents and community members, and create a learning environment that meets the needs of all students. Leave with teaching and learning concepts, tools, and techniques that can be adapted to meet the unique needs of your school. For more information, click here.  

2011 MetLife Foundation-NASSP Breakthrough Schools Identified
Congratulations to the five middle level and five high schools that were recently awarded the Breakthrough honor. Each school will receive a $5,000 grant and be featured in NASSP's monthly magazine, Principal Leadership. Principals of MetLife Foundation-NASSP Breakthrough Schools participate in dissemination activities at the NASSP Conference and other venues throughout the year. You can read about these high-poverty, high-needs schools and listen to the first round of posted podcast interviews with principals.  

Mental Health Resources
The National Center for Mental Health Promotion and Youth Violence Prevention has developed a Web site to provide resources for those working with students in Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi, and Florida that have been directly impacted by the Gulf oil spill. However, one resource "Supporting Children and Youth during the Holidays in Times of Stress" is applicable to other stressful situations that students may be facing. Find this resource and others at http://www.distress-helpline.org.  

The NASSP Middle Level Leadership Center is made possible through a generous contribution from Minnesota Life, NASSP's life insurance provider for over 75 years.