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Association for Middle Level Education

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Simple Activities for Exemplary Learning

Creating classrooms that are developmentally responsive, challenging, empowering, and equitable can be tricky considering most classrooms serve students with a wide range of abilities, from learning disabled to gifted...

Author: Nancy Ruppert
Number of views (12812)/Comments (0)/

Topics: Classroom Management Teaching

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Building a Collaborative Culture that Values Deep Conversations

Principals at all levels know—and research supports—that fostering effective collaboration among their staff is one of the most powerful things they can do to elevate the level of learning for adults and...

Author: Catherine Nelson
Number of views (39045)/Comments (2)/

Topics: Leadership Professional Development School Culture/Climate

Tags: Collaboration

Social Revolution Through Sports

Sports can be a powerful catalyst for breaking down barriers.

In eighth grade, co-author Brian Quinn played on one of his district's ice hockey teams, which included students from different social circles. He was not in one of the "popular" groups at his school, but being a...

Author: Brian Quinn, Betty Edwards
Number of views (3266)/Comments (0)/

Topics: Diversity and Social Equity Young Adolescent Development

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School-wide Agreement at Columbus Middle School

Sights and Sounds of Middle Level winner

Columbus (WI) Middle School students spent the first day of school with their homeroom teachers working to establish procedures getting to know one another. The most important part of the day, however, was...

Author: Paul Kurch, principal
Number of views (39349)/Comments (2)/

Topics: Classroom Management School Culture/Climate

Tags: Student Engagement

The Nature of Middle Level

Transition and Change

It is difficult for me to look at an autumn leaf and not think about Greek mythology. There is an undeniable connection between the rich reds, auburns, ambers, and crimsons of fall and the ancient gods and goddesses....

Author: Dru Tomlin
Number of views (50985)/Comments (0)/

Topics: Health, Wellness, Guidance Inspiration Transitions to/from Middle School

Tags: Counselor Roles Guidance Nature of Middle Level

Why Connect? A Connected Educator's Story

When I talk to colleagues about being a “connected” educator, the first response is often “I don’t have time!” followed by “Why? What’s in it for me?” I can relate....

Author: Todd Bloch
Number of views (75254)/Comments (2)/

Topics: Inspiration Professional Development Teaching

Tags: PLCs Social Media Twitter

Getting ConnectED

There was a time when the nation thought two-lane roads would meet all of its transportation needs, but when demand exceeded capacity, the federal government acted to expand to interstate highways and ease congestion....

Author: Bob Wise
Number of views (20559)/Comments (0)/

Topics: Leadership Technology

Tags: Education Policy Legislation

An Experiment in Flipping

Lack of time for hands-on learning prompted a classroom flip.

Class time was just too limited. Research suggests that teachers should systematically and explicitly teach students to craft essays, yet I struggled with finding the time to do it all: teach my students the skills...

Author: Pooja Patel
Number of views (45395)/Comments (0)/

Topics: Teaching

Tags: Flipped Classrooms Writing

Reconciling Common Core State Standards

The balanced literacy model helps all students achieve in the face of the Common Core demands.

Common Core State Standards advocates contend that the standards provide consistent, clear targets of what students should learn. The standards, they say, are robust and relevant to the real world, with the ultimate...

Author: Darlene Schoenly
Number of views (51599)/Comments (0)/

Topics: Common Core State Standards Language Arts and Literacy Teaching

Tags: Reading Writing Literacy

Working with Under-Resourced Gifted Students

High-achieving students from poverty may present unique challenges.

I have no idea what to do with him! Right now, he’s failing, but I know he can do the work. He questions me at every turn. He won’t accept anything without proof! He won’t work if he doesn’t...

Author: Ruby K. Payne
Number of views (18189)/Comments (0)/