Successful Schools for Young Adolescents Patrick Montesano February 19, 2008
Academic excellence Developmental responsiveness Social equity
Middle-grades student achievement in NYC (2006) Less than 37% of eighth graders met or exceeded English language arts standards Less than 39% of eighth graders met or exceeded math standard Less than 46% of eighth graders met or exceeded science standard
Over 223,000 middle-grades students About 590 schools with middle grades
Principals About 58% of NYC middle school principals have less than three years experience. Over 11% of NYC middle school principals retired or resigned in
Teachers Almost 29% of NYC middle school teachers have less than three years experience. Over 12% of NYC middle school teachers left service in
NYC teacher shortage Bilingual common branches Bilingual special education ESL Math Science Special education
Successful practices Classroom/team School/community Network/SSO DOE City State Federal
Challenging Curriculum Alignment of instruction and assessment with high standards Highly differentiated instruction and multiple assessments Varied supports, attention to early indicators, early interventions, additional learning time, accelerated programs Attention to social development, health/fitness
Data Multiple indicators Student work
Small learning communities Teacher teams Common planning time Personalization
Distributed leadership and partnerships Within schools Family and community collaboration School networks Interagency coordination
Professional development and incentives Early adolescence and implications for teaching and learning Pedagogy and early interventions Academic and developmental supports Family engagement strategies Financial incentives
Youth development Aspiration and preparation for high school and postsecondary education Looking ahead to work and careers Civic engagement
Patrick Montesano Vice President and Director AED Center for School and Community Services Academy for Educational Development 100 Fifth Avenue New York, NY