Middle Level Leader - March 2013
March 2013
There is no question that dwindling resources and the mandate to do more with less have had a significant impact on middle level schools across the country. Many schools have lost the traditional middle level structures that include advisory periods, block schedules, teaming, individual and team preps, and so forth. Other schools have kept the middle level concept alive through new structures and strategies that may look different but continue to maintain a dedicated focus on the needs of young adolescents. In this month’s lead article, professor Ron Williamson shares the strategies and stories of two middle level schools that have used creative scheduling to sustain the middle level concept in today’s climate of reduced budgets and high accountability measures.
Patti Kinney
Associate Director
Middle Level Services
Sustaining the Middle Level Vision in a Time of Change
By Ronald Williamson
Every school in the country is struggling with a new reality. Expectations for student achievement are higher than ever and resources—both human and financial—are stable at best and in most cases declining. This new reality has forced leaders to look at their programs and make tough choices about what can be sustained. Too often in middle schools that has led to a forced choice between a program uniquely aligned with the needs of middle grades students and the need to reduce expenditures. Fortunately, many middle level leaders have seen this challenge as an opportunity. Two schools in suburban Chicago illustrate how altered expectations and financial constraints can provide an opportunity to recommit to a high-quality middle grades program. (Continue reading)
Top 10 Reasons for Moving to 1:1 Learning Technology
By Chris Toy
When considering whether to continue—or to launch—a 1:1 learning technology project, school leaders must first think about the potential benefits and results. Chris Toy provides the top 10 reasons for supporting 1:1 learning with technology as a starting point. (Continue reading)
Spotlight on Middle Schools
March is Middle Level Education Month, and to celebrate, consider turning to your student council to help plan and host events. The National Association of Student Councils (NASC), a program of NASSP, offers a few ideas for activities:
- Design recruiting posters for elementary students that highlight leadership and other student activity opportunities at your middle level school
- Adopt individual classes in the exit grades of the feeder elementary schools and begin regular communications with them that culminate with activities during their orientation visits
- Plan and give a presentation about leadership in the middle to the elementary parent teacher group
- Invite high school leaders to be guest speakers or facilitate leadership activities at a special student council meeting.
For information about NASC resources and programs, the value of membership, and how your school can join, visit www.nasc.us/join.
News & Notes
Promoting the Magnificent Middle
It’s Middle Level Education Month and time to celebrate the “magnificent middle.” This year, NASSP, ALME, NAESP, and the National Forum to Accelerate Middle-Grades Reform have joined together to bring awareness to this critical stage of education. Watch a celebration video and find a wealth of resources to help raise the profile of the middle level—this month and all year long.
Twitter event! Join us for a Middle Level Education Month Twitter event on March 28 from 7:00–8:00 p.m. (ET) by Tweeting with the hashtag #MLEM13. AMLE, NASSP, NAESP, and the National Forum to Accelerate Middle-Grades Reform will talk about the power of professional development and affiliates in the middle level. Tweet ideas, thoughts, questions, and more to our virtual panelists: Paul Dunford, Rick Wormeli, Doug Herlensky, Summer Howarth, Todd Bloch, and Todd Williamson. Be a part of this awesome online conversation!
Recap of Ignite 2013
If you were unable to attend NASSP’s annual conference, Ignite 2013, you can still access handouts from several middle level speakers, such as Rick Wormeli, Nancy Doda, Jill Spencer, Patti Kinney, Bill McBride, and Michael Waiksnis. Visit the speaker page on the conference website and search for those names.
Regional Showcase to Bring Together Top Schools
The first Regional Breaking Ranks School Showcase—Saturday, April 20, at the San Diego Met High School in California—will feature more than a dozen diverse, high-poverty, high-achieving middle level and high schools sharing proven methods for addressing sustainable school improvement. The showcase is designed to help educators learn practical, student-centered strategies from teams of teachers, administrators, and students. Register today.
Become a MetLife Foundation-NASSP Breakthrough School
- Does your school serve 40% or more students on free or reduced-price lunch?
- Can you document improvements in academic achievement for at least the past three years?
- Can you speak to how your school has used the three core areas of the Breaking Ranks Framework—collaborative leadership; personalization; and curriculum, instruction, and assessment—for improvement?
If so, you are a great candidate to become a MetLife Foundation–NASSP Breakthrough School and receive a $5,000 grant. All schools that serve middle level or high school students are eligible to apply by the June 30th deadline.
Thank Your Assistant Principals
During the week of April 8-12, National Assistant Principals Week, take time to show your appreciation for the assistant principals in your building. You can find a variety of resources online at www.nassp.org/APWeek, including a video from Laurie Barron, 2013 MetLife/NASSP National Middle Level Principal of the Year.
Schools to Watch Conference
NASSP is a member of the National Forum to Accelerate Middle-Grades Reform which sponsors the “Schools to Watch” program. This year, the annual Schools to Watch Conference will be held June 27-29 at the Crystal Gateway Marriott near Washington, DC. This conference brings together middle level schools from around the country that have been recognized for meeting the rigorous standards required of a School to Watch.