NELMS Research Information Received by Mass Task Force

The New England League of Middle Schools reported research findings to the Massachusetts Legislative Commission on Middle Level Education at it meeting in early March. Research was reported in the areas of Scheduling, Certification, Teaming, Curriculum, Instruction, Assessment, Achievement, and Leadership by Robert C. Spear Ed.D. Executive Director of NELMS. The 2 hours meeting had many legislators asking questions and thinking deeply about the work in middle level schools. The Commission's work will continue through the spring, summer, and fall.

The Massachusetts Legislative Commission is a joint project of MSSAA, COMMLE and NELMS. MSSAA has provide vital leadership for this event, COMMLE is adding substance, support, and vigor to the discussions, and NELMS is providing a variety of resources to help build understanding. Representative Pat Haddad has been tenacious in championing this legislation and is the point-person as Chair of the Joint House and Senate Legislative Education Committee.

The Commission has it's roots in joint conversations held over 4 years ago at MSSAA headquarters with all three organizations. MSSAA, NELMS, and COMMLE worked together to create a Middle Level Position paper that led to this legislation.

More meeting are scheduled for April and May. MSSAA, COMMLE, and NELMS will keep Massachusetts members appraised of progress and future direction of this import legislative work.

(NELMS is contributing in the others states on a varied and individual basis as each of them move to advocate for effective middle level practices and the proper attention that the middle level so rightfully deserves.)

Spotlight School Review Process Continues

NELMS volunteers are observing in Spotlight Schools as the process of reviewing the schools continues. This year there were 11 schools that have been Spotlight Schools for three years and as a condition to continue, they are required to submit materials and information for review. In addition, each school is visited to ensure that effective practices are continuing. To date, two schools previously identified, have not been renewed.

This year there were also a number of schools that applied to be Spotlights Schools. Their application materials were reviewed and those that meet the high standards set by NELMS, are being visited to confirm that excellent practice do in fact exist and are pervasive.

Finally, there are some schools that have come to the attention of NELMS that seem to be wonderful places for young adolescents. If a school wants to be considered, they too must under go careful screening to see if the high standards of effective practice are met.

Shortly, the entire list of Spotlight Schools will be revised and the celebration for the schools selected can begin. Perhaps other schools would like to become part of this select group of schools. Application information is available at www.nelms.org/spotlight.html.

The real purpose of have the Spotlight School program is to help others learn from great middle level schools. All Spotlight Schools accept visitors and are willing to share their knowledge and expertise. To visit a Spotlight School, click here for a list of schools or call NELMS to begin the process of setting up a visit.

At this time, the NELMS Spotlight School program is sponsored by all the state middle level organization and all the state principal organizations except two. The Sponsoring organizations are:

Student Led Portfolio Conferences

http://snipurl.com/portfolio_conf

The use of student work portfolios -- and student-led conferences with teachers and parents -- has risen significantly over the last decade. The idea, as presented in this article at the National Middle School Association website, is to create regular opportunities for students to reflect on their own learning and growth by discussing products of their classroom work. As author Carol Smith tells us: "Students hold important information about what they know and what they are able to do, as well as what they don't know and are unable to do. Given the opportunity, students can discuss their learning and their growth competently with others. A portfolio of work contains concrete evidence of that learning and growth, and offers the perfect vehicle for discussing progress." Smith, a Vermont teacher who regularly uses the portfolio process, offers ideas about portfolio organization; suggests roles for students, teachers and parents; and includes a useful bibliography.

Value of excessive homework questioned

www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article

Nightly homework offers very limited academic benefits for elementary students and none at all for older students, once it exceeds 1 1/2 hours for middle-schoolers and two hours for high school students, contends Duke University professor Harris Cooper. Although Cooper doesn't agree with those who say homework should be scrapped altogether, he notes that many teachers don't know how to craft assignments that promote learning.

The Washington Post (free registration) (9/12)

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