Notes

Outline

Middle Schools Today Major Concepts and Characteristics

What is a middle school? Different from junior high schools—many junior high schools are dominated by the high school philosophy Middle schools are learner-centered Developmentally appropriate and responsive Often a set of 3 grades—6-8 or 7-9, sometimes grades 5-8

Why do we have middle schools? To provide unique educational experiences that reflect the needs of 10-14 year olds To meet young adolescents’ educational needs by implementing concepts such as advisor-advisee programs, exploratory programs, interdisciplinary teaming, and positive school climate To offer young adolescents the opportunity to engage in self-discovery, both academic and social

What does it mean to be developmentally responsive? Use a wide range of instructional strategies Encourage exploration and develop individual interests Takes individual pacing and learning styles into account Charts student progress, using individual growth criteria rather than peer comparison Encourages healthy cultural and gender identities

Other middle level education characteristics: High expectations for all learners Positive school climate Collaboration (teacher level and student level and across levels) Parental and community involvement Adults as advocates Student-centered curriculum and methods

Curriculum Relevant, integrative, exploratory, problem solving Skills for continued learning Skills for organizing Universality Similarities and differences among people Artistic and creative outlets Foreign language instruction Evaluation of information, systematic reasoning Balance between content and experiences

Instruction Recognize and accept differences in peers Emphasis on thinking and learning rather than isolated skills and knowledge Guidance as an essential component Integrated approaches, relationships among learning areas Students have some choices about curriculum, organization, etc. Ensure some degree of success for all students Recognize importance of self-esteem

What should a middle school teacher be like? Should have a commitment to teaching adolescents in middle school settings—conscious choice Should have extensive knowledge of curricular area Should understand young adolescents, their development, and their diversity Should understand middle school concepts like advisor-advisee, exploratories, interdisciplinary teaming Should be sensitive to individual differences Should make decisions based on students’ needs and interests Should be a role model

Young Adolescents Development, Issues, Characteristics

Adolescents affected by four communities: Family Neighborhood Peers Ethnic/Racial/Religious

Physical Development Hormones, puberty—88% of girls and 83% of boys reach puberty by age 14 Irregular growth, can grow a lot in a short time Restlessness and fatigue—hard to sit still sometimes Experimentation with alcohol, drugs, tobacco Nutritional problems, eating disorders Sexual awareness and activity, STDs Sexual identity Depression, suicide, other mental health issues

Psychosocial Development Learning gender roles Learning socially responsible behavior Independence Increased importance of close friends (grouping, peer pressure) Increased need for privacy Body image concerns, may spend much time in front of mirror Self-esteem Sensitive to teasing Shifting allegiances—may not want parents at events Rapidly shifting moods, violence and anger Often wonders “Am I normal?” Everything is boring Expanding social circles—cross gender, experimenting with adult behavior

Cognitive Development Some can organize information around categories, make generalizations Many can experiment and make hypotheses, analyze data, problem solve Most young adolescents still quite concrete thinkers Reasoned moral and ethical choices, ability to see another’s point of view, self-discipline Opinion formation Multiple intelligences and learning styles

Signs of Trouble Loss of interest in activities and relationships Trouble sleeping or loss of appetite Feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness, suicidal talk or action Continual resistance to attending school Headaches or stomachaches that keep occurring but don’t seem to have a cause Easily distractible or unable to pay attention Aggressive or hurtful behavior School work or attendance which is poor or going downhill Sexual behaviors that are inappropriate for the child’s age Constant refusal to comply with rules at home or school Truancy, chemical abuse, running away Eating disorder unusual eating patterns Inability to develop values, morals, relationships, or educational goals