OMLA Ohio Middle Level Association “Serving the Needs of Young Adolescents” Michelle Koussa NE Associate Rep
OMLA • Founded in 1973 by middle level educators • Fastest growing professional organization in Ohio • Affiliated with AMLE (national organization) • Governed by an executive board/regional reps • Over 9500 individual members • Members include teachers, administrators, college personnel, supervisors, state department officials, parents, and students
OMLA Regions -8 regions in the state -Regional/associate reps -Regional conferences/workshops -Resources and networking opportunities -On site professional development
What is Middle Level Education? Middle level schools maintain their child-centered focus by developing programs and activities that nurture the social, emotional, intellectual, and physical well-being of the young adolescent. The middle level environment is a positive, caring, and motivating learning atmosphere that recognizes and is attentive to the variety of learning styles and enhances a sense of self.
Research • Dr. William Alexander, a curriculum authority from Cornell University, noted in his call to action to middle level education: • …Intellectual growth means much more than an increasing competence in the academic content of the curriculum. We must endeavor to stimulate in the child a love for learning, an attitude of inquiry, a passion for truth and beauty, a questioning mind. The learning of right answers is not enough…beyond answers alone, we must help children ask the right questions, discover their answers through creative thinking, reasoning, judging, and understanding.” (1963)
Research July 7, 2013 – Dayton Daily News Business Section: Headline - Firms Value Soft Skills – Associated Press • “The world’s top employers want to see more than high marks and the right degree. They want graduates with so called soft skills. Those who can work well in teams, write and speak with clarity, adapt quickly to change in technology and business conditions and interact with colleagues from different countries and cultures. The soft skills that determine whether recruits can get along with coworkers, articulate ideas, engage in critical thinking and solve problems of the fly.” • This is the backbone of middle level concept teaching – where the delivery of curriculum openly addresses both the academic and personal development of every young adolescent. This is done through a delivery of curriculum that is focused on the developmental readiness, needs, and interests of each student.
Research During these transitional years, students change significantly – physically, intellectually, morally, psychologically, and social-emotionally. The academic growth and personal development experienced during these important years significantly impact their futures. “Educators who understand the importance of the middle level concept understand the dynamics of the ever-changing youth culture. They value interdisciplinary studies and integrative learning and make sound pedagogical, research-based decisions reflecting the needs, interests, and special abilities of students.” From This We Believe
Magic in the Middle! When supported and implemented properly and with fidelity there is magic in the middle! http://www.youtube.com/wa tch?v=HDtvrVPV9to
• “Young adolescents in strong middle school Magic in the Middle programs also discover lifelong hobbies and personal interests that give academics and daily work meaning, and they learn to collaborate with others who think and dress differently from them. They repair playgrounds, build parks, tutor struggling classmates, and create and maintain school Web sites. They learn to attack personal and academic problems inductively and deductively, appreciating both convergent and divergent thinking as they solve problems in multiple ways. A good middle school is an explosion of intellectual and personal growth that lays the foundation for an educated citizenry and a thriving economy.” -Rick Wormeli
How to Get “The Magic” This We Believe 16 characteristics for successful schools of young adolescents A 3 part joint effort among curriculum, community, and leadership
How to Get “The Magic”
CURRICULUM Value Young Adolescents Active Learning Challenging Curriculum Multiple Learning Approaches Varied Assessments
CULTURE & COMMUNITY School Environment Adult Advocate Guidance Services Health & Wellness Family Involvement Community & Business
LEADERSHIP & ORGANIZATION Shared Vision Committed Leaders Courageous & Collaborative Leaders Professional Development Organizational Structures
Institutional – $175.00 Why join OMLA? • 5 copies of all publications The Ohio Middle Level Journal • All members of the building are OMLA Members In the Middle Newsletter Individual – $30.00 Reduced Conference Rate • 1 copy of all publications Regional Conferences • Reduced registration to State Conference On-site In-service Programs Undergraduate Student -$15.00 Mini-grants/Awards • 1 copy of all publications Timely Position Papers • Special Student Price to State Conference Liaisons to other Professional Dual Individual OMLA/AMLE Organizations Membership – $90.00 Voting Privileges • Available through AMLE
Check out our website! You can register for conferences, contact reps, read current research and news, apply for awards, and SO much more!
You’re Invited! Join us Feb.20-21 in Columbus for the OMLA State Conference! Keynote: Rick Wormeli! A conference FOR teachers BY teachers!
Questions??? Thank you for your time! Please feel free to contact me by email with any questions or comments: mkoussa@independence.k12.oh.us
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