The Middle Level Education Institute (MLEI)

My congratulations go out to Mike Muir on his recent election as President-Elect of the Association for Middle Level Education (formally NMSA)!  I’ve been thinking back to when I first met Mike, and it was probably at a MAMLE Conference.  But I really got to know him at the Middle Level Education Institute where he was a presenter and then a consultant. As a participant I can remember thinking how impressed I was with his knowledge and his abilities as a public speaker for being such a young man. He spoke (and still does) with a passion for doing right by our students!  I know he will be a thoughtful and action-oriented leader for AMLE!  So once again, congratulations Mike!

I think Mike would agree with me that the Middle Level Education Institute (MLEI) can have a profound influence on one’s professional life. Teachers have rethought how they will structure their curriculum and instruction, and entire schools have reconfigured their programming to be more responsive to student needs.  At least four Maine middle level educators who were consultants at MLEI have gone on to work nationally as educational consultants, thanks in no small part to Ed Brazee’s mentoring and support (Thank you Ed!).

So who  from Maine will follow in Mike’s footsteps at AMLE?

Mike is following a precedent set by  Kathy McAvoy who was the first person from Maine to lead NMSA (AMLE).  We need to continue to develop enthusiastic middle level leaders in and out of the classroom, and MLEI is just the place stretch your horizons!

easel.ly

This summer MLEI is convening at Bowdoin College in Brunswick (July 30-August 2).  Registration fees have been dramatically reduced.   Visit our website at http://mleimaine.net/ for all of the details and to register online.

Quick, What’s the only statewide program in Maine that recognizes middle level scholars and leaders?

2011 Scholar Leaders From Sugg Middle School Lisbon

If you responded the Scholar Leaders Awards sponsored by MAMLE and NELMS, you’re right! This year’s Scholar Leaders banquet will be held at the Augusta Civic Center on Thursday May 17th. The deadline for nominating 2 students from your school is coming up Thursday May 3rd. This is the perfect opportunity for schools, students, and their families from across the state to gather and celebrate what’s great about middle level education in Maine. Here are some of the key reasons schools have given for participating in the Scholar Leader program:

positive recognition for students
positive recognition for and supports parents of young adolescents
promotes scholarship and leadership for middle level students
one of the few positive statewide events for the middle level for young adolescents
one of the few state wide events for middle level students
recognizes students beyond the school community
brings recognition to our school
students, parents, school officials and administration all sit together for a great evening of fun and recognition
it reflects well on all middle school students, not just the two that are recognized
it supports our school goals
promotes dignity and respect for all
a way to show pride in our students
it helps support the mission of MAMLE and NELMS organizations

For more information including a list of the many Maine schools who participate, guidelines for selecting students, and photographs from previous ceremonies across New England just click on this link!

http://www.nelms.org./pages/awards/scholar_leader.html

Let’s get physical

Maybe it’s because it is April 2nd and the sun is out, a brisk breeze, but no snow or ice to be seen. It has been a relatively “easy” winter here in Maine, capped off by an inexplicable run of 80 degree days in mid-March. But still, most of us have just spent the better part of five months inside, sitting more than we should.

In the spirit of full disclosure, I am at a time of my life (age 64) when the need to be fit is a driving force. I’m running, swimming, participating in a rigorous workout program, monitoring my food intake, and staying away from the foods I should not eat—at least most of the time. As I look at middle level students (and elementary and high school too) I see a group of kids, many of whom are very out of shape…at 11, 12, 13, and 14 years old.

Here’s the deal—why do we ignore the physical side of our students‘ learning? We pay attention to their academic, emotional, social and psychological development. Why do we pay so LITTLE attention to their physical development. Especially, when responding to what they need is so easy to provide? Ok, I know what you are thinking? As with everything else, habits, learning, and modeling must start at home. I get that. But we have young adolescents for a significant amount of time everyday. Why can’t we work in concert with parents/caregivers to help our kids get and stay fit?

Of course we know that improving their physical selves will also help our students in those other realms of development—they will learn more, get along better, stay motivated longer, and set some of those lifetime habits we always talk about.

Here are a few suggestions to get us started, but I really would appreciate hearing your ideas…either from your school or ideas you have to improve the physical well-being of our students.

1. Food—healthy and present. Breakfast is key and if students don’t get it at home (or it may simply be too early to eat before leaving for school) they must get it at school. Not talking about bacon and eggs here, but a simple, healthy meal that sustains them for the morning, or at least until 9:30 am. What next? Healthy snacks during the day…not Doritos and soda, but fruit, cheese, water, and vegetables to name a few. Lunch is a similar vein. Some schools involve students in planning meals, and participating with preparation, and clean-up is also a great idea. And while we are on this topic, please, can’t we make school cafeterias into inviting spaces where students can relax, talk quietly, and learn some social graces? Just as we do in the world—at home and in restaurants.

2. Exercise and movement.  As important as excellent physical programs are, a twice a week 35 minute physical education class is simply not enough time. How about some beginning of the day stretches and throughout the day as needed?  How about several laps around the school at lunch time? Adults are encouraged to walk 10,000 steps a day. Where are our students getting that same opportunity? (Maybe we should give every student a pedometer to monitor their steps.) I know, I know…order, traffic control, and focus. But, all of these can be learned. If I were still a middle school teacher, I would find a couple of inexpensive exercise bikes for the back of the classroom for students to use quietly anytime they need to move and burn off some energy. And I would be right there with them.

3. Classroom comfort. More than anything else, middle level students hear all day, “…stay in your seats.” Kids need to move a lot during the day. Walk down a hall and look in and see the number of middle school students fidgeting in their desks or tables and chairs. Nothing is harder and more uncomfortable on the backsides of young adolescents than school furniture. We need more options for kids to work comfortably—whether stretched out on the floor on a rug or on big pillows, sitting in easy chairs, or standing up. How about some higher desks where students can write, type, or collaborate from a standing position?

The interesting thing is that every one of these ideas has been used in a number of schools, yet, while none of these ideas is particularly revolutionary, they are atypical for the majority of schools.

Which of these ideas appeal to you…and more importantly to your students?

What would you do to make your classroom and school more physically responsive to young adolescents?

Bad Rap

At a fairly recent doctor’s appointment, I was asked  the question of what I do for a living.  When I  answered that I am a middle school teacher, the doctor responded with, “Those kids should be boxed up and sent away until they’re 15!” or something of the like.  Unfortunately, we know that many of “our” kids are very misunderstood, and yet I can’t imagine teaching any age but middle school!

While thinking about that conversation, examples of middle schoolers doing the right thing really stick out to me.  So, I figured this would be a great time to share one of these examples, this one I learned about from my principal:

On Thursday, a visitor to our school slipped and fell on the ice, which was hiding under a light dusting of snow.  The parent had come to PIMS for an early morning IEP.  As she was walking from her car along the sidewalk to the lobby entrance, she lost her footing and fell hard on the ground, losing her shoe, her paperwork . . . and her dignity.  Two of our students (brother and sister, eighth grade boy and sixth grade girl) waiting for the lobby doors to open, ran to her assistance.  She was shaken and worried about her previously injured knee.  The students recovered her shoe, helped her to her feet, dusted her off and escorted her into the building.  When she reached my office, she had tears streaming down her cheeks.  She was worried about her knee, since, as she repeated several times, she “just couldn’t miss work.”  She explained to me that while her knee hurt, and she was very embarrassed about falling as she did, her tears were tears of appreciation for the caring students who so kindly helped her.  Witnessing that type of a fall, many young people might have laughed, or pretended not to see and walked away.  These two students (who, by the way, have had their moments in the office) didn’t miss a beat.  They hurried to her rescue.  This parent was so moved by the students’ helpful nature, that she contacted me later that day to once again let me know how much she appreciated their help and kindness. When I called the parents of these students to share their good deed, again, unexpected emotion.  “I’m so used to hearing about the bad stuff; I wasn’t expecting anything like this”  — this amidst quiet sobs of pride.

I’d love to hear your examples as well!

I always wanted to write a hard-hitting, year-end story

But, I think I will wait until next year…

In the meantime, I’ve been musing about several ideas related to young adolescents, middle level schools, learning, technology. While I have some thoughts about each, I certainly have more questions than answers…and that is where I need your help.

• Where are our young adolescents hiding? In the 1980s and ’90s we talked about meeting the unique needs of 10-through 14-year-olds, many of whom were in middle level schools. Today we talk about meeting achievement standards and improving test scores? Here in Maine some towns have shuffled the deck yet again, moving  young adolescents from the middle grades (typically 5-8) and depositing them in K-8 or 7-12 schools. Have middle level students lost something in these transitions, particularly in grades 7-12 schools where the focus is almost always on high school issues? Any school with young adolescents must meet their needs even if the term “middle school” isn’t on a sign out front. Does your school or district consciously plan to meet the unique needs of its middle grades students as it most certainly does for younger elementary students and older high school students?

• Why don’t we take advantage of young adolescents’ drive, motivation, enthusiasm, passion for learning, compassion for others, and perhaps most notably, their expertise and familiarity with the tools and strategies of the digital age? John Lounsbury, an icon of the middle school movement for the last six decades, likes to say, “School is where kids comes to watch their teachers work”. If true, and I think it is, why do we ignore the strengths our students bring to school? Why do we do so much to and for them without giving them opportunities to develop their own way? I know, we give them some “voice”. Do you want to read book A or book B? Do you want to work in group 1 or group 2? But, why not go all out and teach them how to contribute to their own learning? An excellent example, particularly in Maine, would be to use student knowledge of technology. Not just reimaging or fixing computers or setting up an LCD projector, but expecting our students to teach their  teachers and peers what they know about technology and learning? We already have some excellent examples of middle schools doing just that, but we need many more. What about real opportunities for students to take leadership, show initiative, and work collaboratively? Don’t all of these skills show up on every list of desirable human traits?

• Why, when we have hired excellent and knowledgeable teachers, administrators, media people, counselors, and other school specialists, don’t we turn them loose and let them do what they need to do? I’d like some feedback on this one in particular so I will stop with this question.

Happy Holidays and happy ruminating on these and other fascinating topics. With all the budget woes we are facing, I still believe that we are in one of the most exciting times in the history of formal education. What is coming next…and what are you doing to make schools better for your students?

[Creative Commons—licensed Flickr photo "Question Mark Sign" by Colin_K]

Teens, Social Networks and Friendships

I came across this as I was cleaning my desktop (on my computer, although my actual desk probably needs it more). It’s a story aired November 9, 2011 on National Public Radio about teens impressions of social networks.

Social Media and Friendships

Interesting . . . Your thoughts?

Wishing you the Happiest of Holidays!

The Holiday Spirit

I LOVE the holidays!  But, I’m one of the lucky ones.  I have a close family who gets together; I have warm, welcoming friends who invite us to potlucks and Yankee Swaps; I have friends who spend a day with me going Christmas caroling.  Since those are some of my favorites about the Christmas season, I truly feel like one of the lucky ones.  Many of us have our own favorite traditions that circle around this time of year.

Unfortunately, not all of our students spend the winter break in happy environments like the ones I mentioned.  So, what can we do?  Well, I’m certainly not able to take them all to my house, but my principal, Anne Blanchard, today reminded our staff of a few things that are reasonable, easy to do, and don’t cost a thing!  So, here’s what she had to say:

“Rather than dwell on the things we cannot change, I’d like to focus on the little things we can do to encourage and support our students who struggle emotionally and otherwise, particularly during this heightened time of year.

• A kind word, compliment (particularly about their hair; it’s the single physical trait that most middle school students are concerned/worried about) can have a positive impact—especially if it’s unanticipated and sincere.
• Striking up a brief somewhat personal conversation is another way to lift a spirit.   It shows interest in the student as a person.
• Encouragement following a setback
• Praise for effort and a job well done
• A quiet redirection when the student is off the mark
• Depending on the situation, use of humor to lighten the air.  A wise administrator once commented to me when I was a rookie:  “When you stop laughing with them (students), it’s time to get out of education!”  I’ve always remembered that.”

As you can see, these are such simple connections we can make with our students to let them know how much we care.

I wish you all a fun, safe, and rejuvenating holiday season!

Quick! Opportunity to Recognize Student Community Service

Hello middle school colleagues!  Our good friend at NASSP, Patti Kinney, just informed us about a great chance to recognize and support good things happening in our schools through the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards. I’m sure there are students at your school who are involved in community service projects and activities who reflect what is right about middle level education in Maine and who deserve to be recognized for volunteering in their communities.

The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards is the United States’ largest youth recognition program based exclusively on volunteer community service.

Created in 1995 by Prudential Financial in partnership with NASSP, the program has honored more than 90,000 young volunteers at the local, state, and national level.

Currently there are NO applications for the middle level Prudential Spirit of Community Award from Maine…so there’s a really good chance of someone winning if they get an application turned in…the deadline has been extended to Nov 30.  Any middle level student who has headed up a community service project is eligible – here’s a link to the details –

http://tinyurl.com/nasspmlserviceaward

So…if you know of any student that should apply, please let them know ASAP…and get the word out to other middle level folks as well!

Thanks…hope you all have a great Thanksgiving!

It’s All About The Relationship . . . & Vocabulary

“It’s all about the relationship.” ~ unknown, from many

After attending a conference on Building Engaged Schools, (http://www.marzanoresearch.com/Professional_Development/events.aspx?event=56), I came away with a renewed appreciation of how critical the teacher is in engaging students.  ENTHUSIASM, PASSION, ZEAL, EAGERNESS, GUSTO (pick your noun) without it, there is little student interest, engagement, passion, investment, (again, pick your noun) LEARNING.  Not rocket science, but a great reminder.

“The limits of your language are the limits of your world.  All I know is what I have words for.”  ~Ludwig Wittgenstein

Vocabulary was a strong thread throughout this conference – particularly the need for a comprehensive, systemic method of vocabulary instruction and development across all grade levels and curriculum areas.  Students need a common vocabulary to successfully learn what we are teaching them.  Check out this website to learn more about vocabulary instruction: http://esu4vocabularystrategies.wikispaces.com/

What’s Your Top 10?

EDU 617 Students Learning About Being Sight Impaired

Each summer I have the pleasure of teaching two middle level courses for USM’s Ed Leadership program. EDU617 – Teaching in the Middle Grades is a one week intensive class, with the emphasis on intensive. From Monday through Friday we put our lives and significant others on hold and “own” one another. We are together for class all day, then reading and posting into the night. I have the pleasure of reading and posting into the wee hours of the morning as assignments are posted to the class wiki. Aside from the long days I really do look forward to learning from the exchange of ideas and insights among classmates and colleagues.

I especially enjoy reviewing assignments that ask students to summarize key pieces of learning from our time together. It’s always interesting to see what resonated with the class, both individually and as a group. It’s also useful to notice what doesn’t get mentioned. Summaries tell me, as the instructor, whether or not my curriculum and instruction had the intended results.

Here, with permission from the students of EDU617 – August 2011 is a “mashup”, based on placement and frequency of their responses to the prompt “As a result of our time together, What are the top 10 pieces of advice you have for middle level educators?”

Which ones resonate strongly with you? Are there any that don’t make sense? What would you want to include in your list of top 10? Do you think this class “got” what working with young adolescents is about?

#10.  Technology is cool, use it well.

#9. Build frequent, short breaks into your teaching process.

#8. Be courageous and look closely into the mirror of your own practice often.

#7. Feed the good wolf. We become the wolf we feed.

#6. Do everything with students in mind first, teachers second, administration last.

#5. Middle school students will do anything to you, and anything for you.

#4. Teamwork! None of us is as smart as all of us. No wallflowers or prima donnas.

#3.  Descriptive feedback has a greater impact on learning than grades.

#2  Students will learn more from what they see than from what we say.

And…

#1. Mr. T says, “I pity the fool that doesn’t Model, Reflect, and Transfer!”