May 2011 • Volume 42 • Number 5
Meaningful Learning in 21st Century Schools
Middle grades schools need to emphasize certain skills and competencies to prepare students for life in the 21st century. Articles in this issue focus on teaching critical literacy skills, cultivating student creativity, and integrating Web 2.0 tools such as digital storytelling and social networking in classroom instruction.
Member Access articles are available for purchase.
A View from the Middle
David C. Virtue
Kids Are Kids
NMSA in Action
Information about what's going on at NMSA and with NMSA affiliates and members.
Digital Storytelling: A Tool for Teaching and Learning in the YouTube Generation
Oliver Dreon, Richard M. Kerper, & Jon Landis
Teachers can learn to use digital storytelling to connect with today's digital learners.
Academic Social Networking Brings Web 2.0 Technologies to the Middle Grades
Gregory Taranto, Melissa Dalbon, & Julie Gaetano
Educators can harness the power of online social networking to promote academic learning.
Literature Study Groups: Literacy Learning "With Legs"
Sue Christian Parsons, Kouider Mokhtari, David Yellin, & Ryan Orwig
Literature study groups help promote critical thinking and improve reading skills
LGBTQ Youth in American Schools: Moving to the Middle
Alan Horowitz & Miriam Itzkowitz
The Middle School Project helped address homophobia and improve the learning environment for LGBTQ students.
Expressing Yourself Poe-etically
Joanne S. Gillespie
A unit focused on the work of Edgar Allan-Poe engages students in critical thinking and creative writing.
Wayside Teaching: Focusing on Relationships
Sara Davis Powell
Teachers can practice wayside teaching to end the school year in a positive way.
Departments
Turning Points 2000: Lessons Learned
Philip Brown
Parent College: An Opportunity for Parents to Learn About Their Young Adolescents
Oconee Middle School in Georgia created a Parent College to help educate parents about the nature and needs of young adolescent students.
Research into Practice
Karen D. Wood, Janis Harmon, & D. Bruce Taylor
Guidelines for Integrating Comprehension-Based Word Study in Content Classrooms
Vocabulary literacy strengthens the connection between word study and reading comprehension.
Extensions
Every issue features questions and ideas for extending learning about topics in each article. Use the extensions to promote individual reflection, to stimulate discussion within teams, or to support professional development in your school.
Copyright © 2011 by National Middle School Association