This We Believe™

On-Site Professional Learning Services

The Association for Middle Level Education (AMLE), formerly National Middle School Association, is the best source of professional development/learning and resources for middle level parents, teachers, administrators, district-level personnel, and policymakers. The association's services and resources support the 16 characteristics of This We Believe: Keys to Educating Young Adolescents (2010) and other related research-based literature. The following services are available to school districts and other groups and/or organizations that provide instruction to middle level students.

• On-Site Professional Development Cadre: This group of experienced educators works in local schools with students, teachers, and central office administrators on short- and long-term assignments in subject matter content areas, instructional practice, and middle school leadership. The On-Site Cadre provides professional learning opportunities grounded in advocating for safe, stimulating, and supportive learning environments for young adolescents. Additionally, the Cadre can support initiatives related to School Improvement (SIG) 1003(g) and Race to the Top (RTT). Cadre members have professional liability insurance and current background checks that meet most school district requirements.*
• Event Speakers: In these one-time presentations, typically to adults, presenters deliver motivational keynote presentations and informational sessions on various middle level education topics.
• School Improvement Assessment: AMLE consultants will work with teachers and administrators (on-site/electronically) to administer AMLE's School Improvement Assessment. The instrument evaluates the schools middle level programming and instructional practices based on the 16 characteristics of This We Believe: Keys to Educating Young Adolescents (2010). The assessment is divided into three primary areas: (1) curriculum, instruction, and assessment; (2) leadership and organization; and (3) culture and community. Long-term coaching is also available upon request.*

*The Standards for Professional Learning (www.learningforward.org/standards/index.cfm) is the recognized guide for planning, facilitating, or evaluating professional development/learning in middle level education settings.

To find out more about the Association for Middle Level Education's On-Site Professional Learning Services, call Karen Crow Roark, Ed. D., Director of School Improvement, 1-800-528-6672.

Request more information online.