What Makes Middle Schools Work?
http://www.albany.edu/aire/pdf/MiddleSchoolReport.pdfOur goal is to become a model using the components of effective middle schools that are outlined in this article.
What are the essential questions that we need to form and then answer within our structure and resources?
How could an advocacy program help staff to develop authentic relationships?
Advisory programs (also called advocacy programs, homebase, teacher-based guidance, advisor-advisee) are predicated on the belief that every young adolescent should have at least one adult at school to act as the student's advocate. According to the Carnegie Council on Adolescent Development (1989), "Students should be able to rely on that adult to help learn from their experiences, comprehend physical changes and changing relations with family and peers, act on their behalf to marshal every school and community resource needed for the student to succeed, and help to fashion a vision of the future" (NMSA Research Summary)
i believe strongly in all 5 points, but i particularly value #3--- Teamwork. Our jobs and the work that teachers do is in short, hard. We all need each other and structuring a system that expects, encourages, and facilitates teamwork, collaboration, etc... is one of the best ways to make sure we get on track and stay on track.
ReplyDeleteAgreed and in year 1 that would make a great focus.
ReplyDeleteCreating a shared vision is critical. We need to have a common focus and then work toward making it a reality.
ReplyDeleteThe study reminds me of This We Believe produced by the National Middle School Association. They have identified 16 Essential Elements of Effective Middle Schools. I'll post the link so you can weigh in too!
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