Poll: Teens feel intense pressure to succeed at school
http://www.philly.com/mld/philly/living/education/16211229.htm
More than 40% of teens report feeling overwhelming pressure to succeed at school and 22% admitted they'd cheated on a test in the last year, a Deloitte & Touche USA LLP and Junior Achievement poll of 787 teens found. Deloitte is developing a curriculum for schools' Junior Achievement programs that will teach students how to make ethical decisions under pressure. The Philadelphia Inquirer (free registration) (2/2)

2nd Annual New England Middle Level Symposium
“Improving Learning for Middle Level Students”

Policy teams and middle level educators from each of the six states joined with expert colleagues from the National Middle School Association, New England League of Middle Schools and other state middle level associations to learn from research and share effective policy practices. Teams of policy level individuals such as department of education officials and state board of education members joined teams of middle level educators in this two-day event designed to develop policy that positively impacts middle level education in the six state region. The event was hosted and coordinated by The New England League of Middle Schools and was the result of year long planning.

Purpose: The symposium was designed to explore ways to improve middle level education via establishing or modifying existing state policy or regulation. The work was based on the assumption that the states, working together, can create effective policy to help this critical age group that comprises one-third of the students to learn more effectively.

Rationale: Many middle level schools that educate young adolescents in New England are effective learning places for students. In many, parents and local educators enthusiastically support their local schools. This Symposium explored the notion that together we could learn from successful middle level schools to identify effective statewide policy so that all schools become effective. These policy ideas were based on school results and research findings.

Tasks: The work over the two days was to:

• build communications to assist in the development of a common language
• develop an understanding of what makes middle level schools effective
• identify priority areas to study and recommend action and/or policy
• identify ways that policy can positively influence the education of young adolescents
• assess the desire of states to work collaboratively to improve middle level learning in New England
• learn from research and “Best Practice”
• build knowledge of national initiatives

Critical Questions:

1. How can we ensure that all middle level students participate in challenging, standards-based curricula and engaging instruction, and that their progress is measured by appropriate assessments, resulting in continual learning and high achievement?
2. How can we support the recruitment and hiring of teachers and administrators who have strong content knowledge and the ability to use research-based instructional strategies and assessment practices appropriate for middle level students?
3. How can we support organizational structures and a school culture of high expectations that enable both middle level students and educators to succeed?
4. How can we develop ongoing family and community partnerships to provide a supportive and enriched learning environment for every middle level student?
5. How can we facilitate the generation, dissemination, and application of research needed to identify and implement effective practices leading to continual student learning and high academic achievement at the middle level?

Presenters and Facilitators: Students and educators surrounding exemplary middle level schools shared their thoughts and ideas about learning at the middle level. Students brought greetings to the assembly each day and were part of a panel discussion on the first morning. Teachers and administrators were also presenters.

Leaders from the New England League of Middle Schools, the National Middle School Association, state organization leaders, and others presented factual information, research, facilitated discussions, and were panel members. Their unique national perspective and factual information were valued and appreciated as participants contemplated the immensely important issues of the day.

Location: The event took place at the Ashworth-by-the Sea Hotel in Hampton Beach, New Hampshire on January 9 and 10, 2007.

Participants: Over 55 people were in attendance to this invitation only event. Please see the separate list of attendees for names and organization.

Breaking Ranks in the Middle &
New England League of Middle Schools
As you would expect from the region’s premier leader of professional development in middle level education, NELMS now offers training for B.R.I.M. (Breaking Ranks in the Middle). This researched based opportunity will help school leaders identify key practice that will help improve student learning.

B.R.I.M. was developed by NASSP and the Education Alliance at Brown University in order to help school leaders apply the latest research to improve middle level learning. Breaking Ranks In the Middle training provides middle school leadership teams with quality information that help schools get better. Help ensure the success of your entire school by engaging in this successful school renewal through B.R.I.M. In Connecticut, the Connecticut Association of Schools (CAS) is the service provider for B.R.I.M. training. NELMS is collaborating with CAS on this important initiative.

“The training offers participants the tools and strategies to address and deal with the unique challenges facing middle level leadership including personalization, advisories, teaming, transition from elementary and transition to high school, use of data and other critical topics. The training program’s design includes an interactive format for small and large group discussions, problem-solving assignments, as well as analysis and reflections necessary for meaningful comprehension and learning.” (NASSP website)

NELMS “trainers of trainers” consultants are ready to assist school leadership teams. Our consultants are licensed by NASSP and have the expertise to help ensure the success of this program in your school. As always, NELMS member discounts apply.
Click here to read the entire article.
Click here for scheduled BRIM workshops

Please contact us at pst@nelms.org for more information or call our office at 978-887-6263.  We look forward to our continued work with middle schools to strengthen middle level education.

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