Middle Level Website

http://www.smithsonianeducation.org/educators/index.html

This website is a great tool for educators, families, and students.  For educators, it gives sample lesson plans, helps locate resources aligned with state standards, and gives professional development ideas.  For families, the website offers downloadable activity sheets, videos, and suggests readings that parents can do with their kids.   For students, the website offers several different interactive learning games to play.  This website fits within the scope of This We Believe through leadership and organization and culture and community.  Teachers need to find as many professional development opportunities as possible so they can be better prepared to teach their students.  This website offers several professional development ideas.  This website encourages family involvement by finding reading materials that parents and children can read together as well as activity sheets they can do together.  Students need an adult to guide them and encourage their success especially at the middle level.  ~Wendy Marney

Group Project Article from NMSA

http://www.nmsa.org/Publications/MiddleLevelInsider/Articles/GroupProjects/tabid/2418/Default.aspx

There is a lot of good information in this short article from the May issue of Middle Level Insider.  Susan Mulcaire relates the benefits as well as the frustrations that we all encounter when attempting group projects.  The best part is that she gives several strategies for supporting our students in this endeavor.  This article fits within the scope of This We Believe because being able to work successfully within a group is a life skill that students need to function successfully at all levels of society.  This article pinpoints those life skills and provides resources for sharing them with our students.    Gina Elliott

Middle Level Podcast

www.anniefox.com/fc.html

I was actually looking for a middle school blog when I stumbled across this awesome podcast!! Annie Fox interacts with a variety of people about a variety of issues with middle school aged children. The issues range from ADHD to fitting in to moms seeking advice. I was blown away by the site because it is geared mainly towards parents. The name of the podcast is Family Confidential. This podcast can also speak to a variety of listeners as I am not a parent, but still found the issues addressed to be geared towards educators as well. This podcast fits into the scope of This We Believe because it addresses some curriculum related issues as well as behavioral issues, etc.

-Shay Eddings

Middle Level Webquest

13 Colonies 

This interactive Webquest fits within the scope of TWB through the characteristics of educators using multiple learning and teaching approaches and the curriculum is challenging, exploratory, integrative, and relevant.  

This Webquest is a great way to get students involved in their own learning. It is appropriate for middle school students because they are able to work more independently.  They are guided in the learning of the original 13 colonies are tested about their knowledge.  There are so many students whose learning styles are visual and virtual that Webquests are easy for them to understand.  They have fun while learning!  This Webquest is also challenging their knowledge because they are exploring the web to teach them about the colonies.  They are in charge....along with the guidance of the Webquest maker!

Sarah Shewmaker 

Middle Level Podcast

http://www.nassp.org/Content.aspx?topic=59203

For this podcast, Gayle (Davis) Andrews was asked to talk about significant lessons from the past that today’s middle level leaders must not forget as we move into the future. This podcast fits within the scope of This We Believe through several characteristics under all three areas: Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment, Leadership and Organization, and Culture and Community.   Andrews states that we must not forget these three terms: voice, choice, and connection.   We need to be sure that we are building a curriculum around students’ interests, backgrounds, and culture.  Students need to be able to see the relevance and understand that what they are learning is important.  Middle schools need to build a collaborative community not just between teachers but between all faculty and students.  Teachers, administrators, nurses, and counselors must be readily available to help students.  Relationships are an essential part in getting anything accomplished at the middle level.  ~Wendy Marney

Middle Level Video

High School Graduation, Truancy, Drop Out, and Middle Level Education

http://www.schooltube.com/video/b3c4a98eb0a43b9f5faa/High-School-Graduation-Truancy-Drop-Out-and-Middle-Level-Education

This is a short video that shows the connection between effective middle level practices and their impact on student success in high school.  This video fits within the scope of This We Believe under Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment as well as Culture and Community.  As teachers we need to be sure we are offering high quality academics that are appropriate and challenging for middle level students.   We need to motivate our students to succeed and want to do well in school.  Students need to feel that school is a safe and supportive place for them to come and enjoy learning.  The school should include community involvement to help prepare middle level students for high school, college, and their future.  ~Wendy Marney

Middle School How-To Website

This website is great for middle school teachers! It fits into the This We Believe because it provides several great ideas for organizing and executing the many responsibilities teachers have. I found many helpful resources while exploring this site including several "How-to" articles on the left side of the page. A link to the very helpful site Rubistar is posted. I had been introduced to Rubistar as a UCA student so I was excited to see it listed on the site. There is also a link for teaching forums, ready-made rubrics, and a broadcasting system that includes free lessons. All in all, I believe any middle school teacher would LOVE this website and find it most helpful!
Shay Eddings
http://teachingtoday.glencoe.com/howtoarticles/middle-school-web-resources