Middle School: Cycles of Improvement Student Leadership

Why did we feel the need to change our Middle School model from our K-5 model? Top attributes of new college graduates wanted by employers: → Leadership → Ability to work in a team → Problem-solving skills → Verbal communication skills

Top attributes of new college graduates wanted by employers: → Leadership → Ability to work in a team → Problem-solving skills → Verbal communication skills

Video for see it

1 class of 40 students - independence Continuous Improvement 1 class of 40 students - independence (high academic & high independence) 1 class of 20 students (need more direct instruction & support) In class of 40: → Saw teamwork and problem solving → No teamwork Iteration 1: 1 class of 40 high academic and independent students and 1 class of 20 students who needed more direct instruction and support (class of 40) saw teamwork and problem solving, but no leadership

Continuous Improvement 1 class of 40 students squads of 3 (high academic & high independence) 1 class of 20 students - squads of 3 (need more direct instruction & support) → Squads composed of: 3 students one leader keeps everyone accountable 1 class of 40 students - independence (high academic & high independence) 1 class of 20 students (need more direct instruction & support) In class of 20: → High behavioral needs → Not enough role models Iteration 2: Squads: total of 3 students, one of which was the leader. The leader keeps everyone on task and focused, as well as guiding the discussions We started to see a lot of progress in the bigger classroom - leadership qualities were coming alive and the engagement level was at an all time high (class of 20) high behavioral needs and not enough role models

Continuous Improvement 2 classes of 30 students - squads of 3 → Heterogeneous groups → Squads composed of: 2 high independent students 1 student who needs more support → one leader → leaders rotate; all students will have a chance to lead 1 class of 40 students squads of 3 (high academic & high independence) 1 class of 20 students - squads of 3 (need more direct instruction & support) → Squads composed of: 3 students one leader keeps everyone accountable 1 class of 40 students - independence (high academic & high independence) 1 class of 20 students (need more direct instruction & support) Solving problems collaboratively Work together as a team Held each other accountable Iteration 3: Heterogeneous groups Squads consisted of 2 high independent students with 1 student who needed more support All students will have a chance to lead finally seeing leadership, teamwork, and problem solving Opportunity to be a leader Communication skills

What we’ve learned about Middle School... Students want independence from the teacher Students want to work collaboratively with other students Students need direct instruction and practice with Leadership Three students in a squad is the magic number Teacher-created spreadsheet - facilitated by leader (accountability) Tiered roles for leadership

Next Steps: Checklist for teachers/Small Group Instructors to help aggressively monitor Extending up to high school? Opportunities for leadership in 5th grade and lower

Questions?

Let’s See It! Leaders in Action Student Interview Leader Interview Students have just finished their Thinking Maps. Bianca pushes Citlaly in her understanding of the standard by asking multiple insightful questions. Citlaly explains her role in the group and how being in a group of 3 with a leader has impacted her learning. Bianca and Holly explain their role as leaders and how it’s impacted their learning and their groups’ learning.

Teacher in Training Interview Let’s See It! Student Interview Teacher in Training Teacher in Training Interview Jadyn and Ashton explain how they feel about being with a group and how it’s impacted their learning. Holly takes initiative and gives a class announcement. Holly discusses how the tiered leadership works and how it benefits all students.