HELPING STUDENTS FIND THEIR WINGS

HELPING STUDENTS FIND THEIR WINGSat Benjamin Franklin Middle School1The middle grades

Why is it critical that we educators get it right?

Is this important to spend time on?2

Working on the right stuff3Would the real middle school please stand up?

4Would the real middle school please stand up?

5Would the real middle school please stand up?Things are not always as they seem

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Would the real middle school please stand up?

7Would the real middle school please stand up?8Would the real middle school please stand up?Write down answers on post-it notes and post on chart paper as finish.9MIDDLE SCHOOLS IN VIRGINIA

WEBLINKS TO EACH ICON: Anson New Tech (http://youtu.be/dakBXWlqiB0) Henry Co (http://www.henry.k12.va.us/content/File/Strategic%20Planning/envision_2018.pdf) River Dell HS (http://youtu.be/d5KjakB9Wkk) Mooresville (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EKYW6fD9DfE) Roanoke Co (http://youtu.be/TWpU9Dqrm2g) Henrico Co (http://www.henrico.k12.va.us/Technology/InstructionalTechnology.html) Yonkers (http://vimeo.com/51224440) Orange Co (http://www.wral.com/news/education/video/11467413)10Edie Holcomb

Where are we now?Where do we want to go?How will we get there?How will we know we are getting there?How can we sustain improvement?11

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Where are we now?

http://kenicely.wikispaces.comWhat are current priorities and initiatives in Franklin County? In Franklin County Public Schools? At BFMS? What are we about? Where would I find this info if I were unsure or were a visitor? Divide into groups of 4 with sheet of chart paper and marker. List as many as possible in 3 min. Groups share lists and write master list on priority matrix document. 13

14Where do we want to be?Divide into groups of 4-5. Refer groups to the list of websites on the wikispace. Assign each group a different starting point on the list. Groups should review the websites and list hot topics in education. Allow 10 min. Groups should document their source. Groups share out and master list is created on priority matrix.15

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17MIDDLE SCHOOLS IN VIRGINIA

WEBLINKS TO EACH ICON: Anson New Tech (http://youtu.be/dakBXWlqiB0) Henry Co (http://www.henry.k12.va.us/content/File/Strategic%20Planning/envision_2018.pdf) River Dell HS (http://youtu.be/d5KjakB9Wkk) Mooresville (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EKYW6fD9DfE) Roanoke Co (http://youtu.be/TWpU9Dqrm2g) Henrico Co (http://www.henrico.k12.va.us/Technology/InstructionalTechnology.html) Yonkers (http://vimeo.com/51224440) Orange Co (http://www.wral.com/news/education/video/11467413)18WHERE DO WE WANT TO BE?

HOW WILL WE GET THERE?

HOW WILL WE KNOW WHEN WE ARE GETTING THERE?Historical Context19WHERE DO WE WANT TO BE?

HOW WILL WE GET THERE?

HOW WILL WE KNOW WHEN WE ARE GETTING THERE?Historical Context

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=opXKmwg8VQM&feature=share&list=FLwwliM2z-9LACVzqKkbx06Q&index=420WHERE DO WE WANT TO BE?

HOW WILL WE GET THERE?

HOW WILL WE KNOW WHEN WE ARE GETTING THERE?Young Adolescents

21Famous Young Adolescents

T/P/S: What do you think of when you think of these characters?22 Early adolescents are 10- to 15-year olds Distinct period of human growth Schools that serve young adolescents must be responsive to their needsWho are middle grades students?

23Developmental Needs of Young Adolescents(AMLE Research Summary)

Physical Developmental Characteristics Intellectual Developmental Characteristics Moral/Ethical Developmental Characteristics Emotional/Psychological Developmental Characteristics Social Developmental Characteristics

What are the implications for practice?(Modified jigsaw reading and sharing)Who are middle grades students?24 NEEDS OF YOUNG ADOLESCENTS*positive connections with adults & peers*structure, safety, & clear limits*physical activity*creative expression*sense of competence & achievement*opportunity for self definition*basis for making sound choices*sense of belonging*exploratory opportunities*community service learning*connect learning to real world*intellectual challenge

Who are middle grades students?T/P/S:Choose one to discuss. 25MIDDLE SCHOOLS IN VIRGINIA

WEBLINKS TO EACH ICON: Anson New Tech (http://youtu.be/dakBXWlqiB0) Henry Co (http://www.henry.k12.va.us/content/File/Strategic%20Planning/envision_2018.pdf) River Dell HS (http://youtu.be/d5KjakB9Wkk) Mooresville (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EKYW6fD9DfE) Roanoke Co (http://youtu.be/TWpU9Dqrm2g) Henrico Co (http://www.henrico.k12.va.us/Technology/InstructionalTechnology.html) Yonkers (http://vimeo.com/51224440) Orange Co (http://www.wral.com/news/education/video/11467413)26MIDDLE GRADES FRAMEWORKS27University Research Findings & DebateThere is a strong body of research linking middle grades practices with positive outcomes Some researchers and critics have sought to discredit the middle school concept. The true middle school concept has not been practiced and found wanting John Lounsbury (2009)

28This We Believe

29MIDDLE SCHOOLS IN VIRGINIA

WEBLINKS TO EACH ICON: Anson New Tech (http://youtu.be/dakBXWlqiB0) Henry Co (http://www.henry.k12.va.us/content/File/Strategic%20Planning/envision_2018.pdf) River Dell HS (http://youtu.be/d5KjakB9Wkk) Mooresville (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EKYW6fD9DfE) Roanoke Co (http://youtu.be/TWpU9Dqrm2g) Henrico Co (http://www.henrico.k12.va.us/Technology/InstructionalTechnology.html) Yonkers (http://vimeo.com/51224440) Orange Co (http://www.wral.com/news/education/video/11467413)30

Concerns-based adoption model

31Middle Grades IC Map

The Concerns-Based Adoption Model. Adapted from Hall and Hord (2006), Implementing Change: Patterns, Principles, and Potholes, p.252. 32Middle grades IC Map27 Features of Middle Grades Best Practice33USING THE MIDDLE GRADES IC MAPVariation AVariation BVariation CVariation DVariation EExploratory classes such as art and music are offered as well as extracurricular activities. Students are encouraged to explore topics of interest to them within the core curriculum.Exploratory classes and extracurricular activities are offered.Exploratory classes are offered but no extracurricular activities.Extracurricular activities are offered but no exploratory classes.No exploratory classes or extracurricular activities are offered.EVIDENCE: review of documents such as the master schedule, listing of extracurricular activities, teacher lesson plans, listing of course offerings, newsletters, websites; interviewsFeature A2: The Curriculum is Exploratory and Relevant to Young Adolescents34USING THE MIDDLE GRADES IC MAPVariation AVariation BVariation CTeachers collaborate to boost student achievement, continuously assessing student learning to adjust instruction. Teachers employ multiple instructional strategies, integrating technology, tailored to meet individual needs.Approximately 40-60% of teachers in the school employ a variety of instructional strategies aligned to standards. Data-informed, differentiated instruction is in development.Teachers generally work in isolation and employ limited strategies which are not aligned to standards. Data are not used to guide instructional practices.EVIDENCE: walkthrough classroom observations; teacher lesson plans; observation, agendas, or minutes of teacher meetings; interviews

Feature A4: Instructional Strategies are Varied, Aligned to Standards, Data Informed, and Designed to Meet the Individual Needs of All Learners35How can middle grades practices be implemented and sustained?36MIDDLE SCHOOLS IN VIRGINIA

WEBLINKS TO EACH ICON: Anson New Tech (http://youtu.be/dakBXWlqiB0) Henry Co (http://www.henry.k12.va.us/content/File/Strategic%20Planning/envision_2018.pdf) River Dell HS (http://youtu.be/d5KjakB9Wkk) Mooresville (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EKYW6fD9DfE) Roanoke Co (http://youtu.be/TWpU9Dqrm2g) Henrico Co (http://www.henrico.k12.va.us/Technology/InstructionalTechnology.html) Yonkers (http://vimeo.com/51224440) Orange Co (http://www.wral.com/news/education/video/11467413)37

HELPING STUDENTS FIND THEIR WINGSat Benjamin Franklin Middle School38