Having minimal knowledge of middle school practices and procedures, I was struck at the scope of challenges for middle schools. It seems as though they are pulled in a variety of directions in terms of standardized testing, NCLB, preparation for high schools and a focus on literacy. Add these issues to the developing minds and bodies of adolescents and it is clear to see how schools and districts can move away or adopt pieces of the middle school concept.
As a result of the readings for this week, I can't get away from the idea that research states that students perform better academically and socially when the middle school philosophy is carried out in all areas. Therefore, a community needs to have a clear vision for what they are, in terms of a school, and what they are NOT. Without this focus and vision for these early adolescents, it is difficult for teachers and students to gain the skills necessary in order to be sucessful.
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"Without this focus and vision for these early adolescents, it is difficult for teachers and students to gain the skills necessary in order to be sucessful."
ReplyDeleteYes...absolutely. The middle school may need this clear focus more than the other levels, simply because the ml is the most misunderstood level—still!
But schools must decide what they are about and then do it.
It is always interesting to me to hear about what other teachers think about education levels that they are not directly involved in teaching. There is a large divide in my school between the primary elementary teachers and the middle school teachers. They frequently argue about who has more work to do and whose job is more difficult. ALL teachers are "pulled in a variety of directions" as you said and we need to support each other instead of arguing about who has it worse!
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