A Developmentally Responsive Middle Level Education Kimberly Frazier November 20 th, 2009

My “Ideal” Position 5 th Grade at an elementary (K-5) school Student Population: ~20 students per class, 2-3 classes at each grade (~250 students) Teach all core subjects/ collaborate with other 5 th grade teachers in the school Collaborate with other specialists (art, music, physical education) Student Diversity  Family  Ethnicity  Gender  Ability Small or Large City

Mission Statement The mission of [Orchard Elementary] is to provide a safe, nurturing environment of mutual respect while inspiring children to achieve their academic potential as life-long learners. Students will be valued for their individuality and diverse capabilities as they are taught to face the future and contribute to society with compassion, courage, knowledge and vision. Axtell, D. (11 June 1996). 101 Elementary School Mission Statements. Retrieved November 18, 2009 from

Presentation Organization National Middle School Association: This We Believe Fourteen beliefs about successful middle level schools

(1) Educators of successful middle level schools value working with this group and are prepared to do so. Know Developmental Characteristics and Appropriate Practices Enjoy Working with Transescents Teacher Preparation Professional Development

I value working with transescents and prepare myself to do so. Teacher Disposition Transescent Advocate Current Program Professional Development

(2) Courageous and collaborative leaders lead successful middle level schools. Educate Parents and Community Principal Communication Collaboration Attitude for Change

I act as a courageous, collaborative leader. Share Knowledge Focus Open Communication Advocate for Change

(3) School staff of successful middle level schools use a shared vision to guide decisions. Mission Statement Futuristic Collaboratively Developed Equity

I use the community vision to guide my teaching. Participate in Vision Future-Oriented Equity

(4) Educators and school staff of successful middle level schools provide an inviting, supportive, and safe environment. Enhances Well-Being Self-Esteem Democratic Acceptance

I create an inviting, supportive, and safe environment. Democratic Environment Bullying (Prevention) Peer Communication, Collaboration, Cooperation Morning Meeting Inclusion

(5) Teachers and school officials of successful middle level schools hold high expectations for every member of the learning community. High Student Expectations Differentiated Classroom High Expectations for All

I hold high expectations for my students, myself, and the greater learning community. High Expectations- Growth Focus Student Responsibility for Learning Learning Goals High Expectations of Others/Support

(6) In successful middle level schools, students and teachers engage in active learning. Student-Centered Hands-On = Fun Inquiry-Based Instruction

I engage students in active learning experiences. Hands-on Experiences Facilitator Inquiry-Based Learning

(7) In a successful middle level school, one finds an adult advocate for every student. Positive Role Model Caring/Openness for Discussion Advisory

I advocate for transescents. Model Citizen Care/Concern Genuine Relationships

(8) Teachers and staff in a successful middle level school initiate family and community partnerships. Parental Involvement Community Collaboration Service Learning Career Exploration Family Learning Center

I develop relationships with families and the community. Parent Involvement Community Connections Family Learning Center

(9) Curriculum of a successful middle level school provides relevancy, challenge, integration, and exploration. Student and Society Meaningful Themes Cross Discipline Lines General Skills Students Control Learning

I use a relevant, integrative, challenging, and exploratory curriculum. Relevant Themes Integration Exploration General Skills

(10) Teachers in successful middle level schools use multiple learning and teaching approaches responsive to diversity. Diverse Experiences and Learning Styles Many Ways of Knowing Resources

I address student diversity. Resources/Unbiased Different Modes of Instruction Focus on Student Understanding

(11) Teachers in a successful middle level school use assessment and evaluation programs that promote quality learning. Goal Setting Individual Progress Self-Assessment Portfolios and Projects Guide Instruction

I use assessments that promote learning. Variety/Authentic Individual Growth Student Evaluation Directs Instruction

(12) Successful middle level school staff implement organizational structures that support meaningful relationships and learning. Team Teaching Planning Time “Houses” or “Pods” Block Scheduling

I organize my classroom and the school to support meaningful relationships and learning. Team Teacher Blocks of Learning Time Integrated Schedule Homeroom as a Community

(13) Staff of successful middle level schools make efforts and policies fostering health, wellness, and safety. Health Literacy Daily Physical Activity Health Education Making Healthy Choices

I support the health, wellness, and safety of transescents. Health Integration Physical Activity/ Encouragement Healthy Snack Healthy Diet

(14) Staff of successful middle level schools include multi-faceted guidance and support services. After School Programs Counselors Health Problems Specialists

I utilize community resources in support of transescents’ well- beings and learning. After School Participant Connections to Health Care Connections to Social Services Report Abuse and Neglect

Conclusion Goal: to create lifelong learners, ethical and democratic citizens, and increasingly competent, self-sufficient people optimistic about the future

References Available Upon Request