National Middle Level Education Month - March 2011
Learning from the Success of Others
As March shines the spotlight on middle level education, we want people to recognize that quality middle level schools do not develop on their own – they are created through the hard work of a successful school leader – that the skills needed to be successful can be gained by learning from the work of others.
And to help you learn from the success of others, we’ve compiled a selection of short podcast interviews featuring nationally recognized middle level leaders:
MetLife/NASSP National Middle Level Principal of the Year
Cathy Carnahan is the 2011 MetLife/NASSP National Middle Level Principal of the Year. Listen to her discuss the successes at Duniway Middle School and the value she has placed on learning from her colleagues.
MetLife Foundation-NASSP Breakthrough Schools
To become a MetLife Foundation-NASSP Breakthrough School, a school must serve 40% or more students on free/reduced lunch and have made significant academic gains for a minimum of three years. Below are two interviews with the principals of these schools as they explain the keys to their successes. For more interviews please visit our Breakthrough Schools Archive
Robert M. Finley Middle School, Glen Cove, New York
Anael Alston, Principal. The entire Glen Cove community has embraced its middle school. Everyone from the mayor to small business owners to clergy and parents, teachers and students alike feel that this school is important and successful. The school is a microcosm of America that works hard to celebrate its diversity and prevent any student from feeling disenfranchised. With almost half of the 652 students considered economically in need, gaps in student achievement have decreased significantly just as all student achievement has improved over the last five years. This improvement is attributed to targeted professional development that has focused on differentiated, hands-on classroom instruction.
Franklin Middle School, Champaign, Illinois
Angela Smith, Principal. After undergoing years of instability, Franklin Middle School found its footing several years ago and has flourished under the leadership of its current principal. The staff and community have learned to work as a cohesive unit, mastering the art and science of blending a diverse 558 student body of 52% economically disadvantaged, 18% special education and 62% minority students into a cohesive, caring family. Franklin Middle School strives each day to meet its primary goal: to be an exemplary school in the areas of academic achievement, developmental responsiveness and social equity.
Voices of Experience: Perspectives from Successful Middle Level Leaders
| As an addition to the book Voices of Experience: Perspectives of Middle Level Leaders by Patti Kinney, NASSP associate director of middle level services and 2003 NASSP/MetLife National Middle Level Principal of the Year, and Sue Swaim, executive director emeritus of the National Middle School Association (NMSA), NASSP offers the following interviews with 13 highly regarded middle level leaders sharing their thoughts and experiences on a range of important topics. |
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Leading an Urban School Podcast with Jim Dierke
Leading from the District Level Podcast with Annette Fante
Leading as a Teacher Podcast with Theresa Hinkle
Leading for Change Podcast with Ned Kirsch
Leading for Community Support Podcast with Doug Lowery
Leading from the Classroom Podcast with Nancy Poliseno
Leading Second Language Learners Podcast with Juan Rodriquez
Leading as an Assistant Principal Podcast with Hilca Thomas
Leading for Middle Level Practices in a K-8 School Podcast with Bill Truesdale
Leading for Continuous Improvement Podcast with Ed Vittardi
Leading for Literacy Podcast with Terry Wolfson
Middle Level Month...All Year Long
While March is the “official” month to celebrate middle level education, we really need to be advocating for middle level education all year long. Here are a few ideas to consider:
- Get the word out that your middle school is doing good things for students. Develop a few message points you want to share about your school. Put them on business cards for the staff, on your fax cover sheet, on your website, in parent newsletters, etc.
- Develop a brochure “50 Great Things about Our Middle School” and distribute it at registration, open house, conferences, etc. Give copies to your district office and the local realtors to pass on to those considering moving into your attendance area.
- Host a breakfast or lunch for your local realtors – give them a tour of the schools and share programs that you are proud of. They are often the ones asked questions about the schools in the area.
- Keep your superintendent and board informed of effective middle level practices. Pass on articles or websites you think would interest them. Invite district office personnel to attend a middle level conference with you. Offer to share results of a successful program at a school board meeting – and bring along students to help with the report! Send board members copies of your school newsletter.
- Invite a student to join you at a civic club meeting. Help civic organizations feature students at their meetings. Encourage student performance groups to reach out to community organizations for meeting programs.
- Build a relationship with your local media. Find out who is in charge of the education news and ask them how they want you to keep them informed of happenings at your school.
- Stay in contact with your state representatives. Invite them to visit your school to speak with classes during the off session.
- Spread your message in the form of op-ed articles in your newspapers or in letters or emails written to state representatives. Make your written communications personal. Facts and figures can be impressive but a story about how those facts impact the students in your school will make a more lasting impression.
This is not a time to be shy or modest! If we want the general public to understand what quality middle level education is all about, then we need to draw attention to the many good things that are happening in countless middle level schools across the country.
We strongly encourage you to use the information below throughout the year with special attention to March, National Middle Level Education Month. After all, what we are really trying to do is continually develop and maintain supportive public attitudes toward middle level education.
NASSP is happy to provide the following materials to assist you in your efforts:
Additional Resources
NASSP encourages members to look into these national programs that are available to middle schools to participate in during the month of March:
March 2, 2011
NEA's Read Across America
http://www.nea.org
Started in 1998 as a way to get kids excited about reading, NEA's Read Across America has become the nation's largest reading event. The year-round program culminates each year on or near Dr. Seuss's birthday (March 2).
March 1-31
American Red Cross Month
http://www.redcross.org/
A time to commemorate the American Red Cross involvement in domestic disaster relief, community services that help the needy; support and comfort for military members and their families; the collection, processing and distribution of lifesaving blood and blood products; educational programs that promote health and safety; and international relief and development programs.
March 1-31
Music in Our Schools Month
http://www.menc.org
Sponsored by the National Association for Music Education to communicate the importance of music in the learning experience of all students.
March 1-31
National Nutrition Month
http://www.eatright.org
Sponsored annually by the American Dietetic Association to promote the importance of healthful eating and physical activity habits all year long.
March 1-31
Youth Art Month
http://www.acminet.org/
Sponsored by the Council for Art Education to emphasize the importance of art activities and encourage schools and youth groups to support their art programs.