New Jersey Association for Middle Level Educators The National Forum - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

New Jersey Association for Middle Level Educators The National Forum To Accelerate Middle-Grades Reform New Jersey Education Association

Schools To Watch Criteria  Academic Excellence  These Schools Challenge all students to use their minds well  Developmental Responsiveness  These schools are sensitive to the unique developmental challenges of early adolescence  Social Equity  These schools are democratic and fair, providing every student with high-quality teachers, resources, learning opportunities and supports  Organizational Structures and Processes  High-Performing schools establish norms, structures, and organizational arrangements to support and sustain their trajectory toward excellence

Program Description “The New Jersey Schools to Watch program seeks to establish a network of schools willing to serve as models and mentors for others. Recognized schools will be featured in state and national publications, and will be visited by educators from around the country looking to see where “things are done right.” Schools will also participate in professional development, and will serve as a model for other schools using the Schools to Watch Criteria to guide school improvement and reform.” Schools to Watch Application

Application Process  Schools To Watch Self Study and Online Rating Rubric  WAMS Schools to Watch Committee compromised of parents, teachers and administrators  Subcommittee by criteria category  Analyze results and scores  Provide school data for past 3 years  Write a summary describing WAMS best practices  Schools To Watch Committee Site Visit and interviews of parents, students, teachers and principal

Results of Our Self-Study

Some of Our Best Practices Developmental Academic Excellence Responsiveness  Character Education  Team model approach Curriculum  Use of technology in the  Curriculum modification classroom by teachers to fit the needs  Interdisciplinary of all learners  Teacher availability for activities (Holocaust extra help Day, etc)  Enhanced learning  Viking Academy experiences (Idea Lab,  Student choice electives Makers Space)

Some of Our Best Practices Organizational and Social Equity Structures  Rules/Expectations are  Heterogeneous classes clearly written when possible  Use of MAP  Extensive SE  Teacher evaluation opportunities encourages growth  Learner-centered  Elaborate Professional instruction Development  WAMS Expo Night  Ease of transition for students between grades

Moving Forward…  Only 200 schools nationwide share this recognition  Only 2 schools given this title in New Jersey  Now part of a national network of schools with best practices  Open to host schools for observation of our best practices  Present at state and national conferences  Part of the Schools to Watch Committee