1. Middle School:
Cycles of Improvement
Student Leadership

2. 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

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

4. Video for see it

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. Questions?

11. 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.

12. 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.