Middle school helps students transition into high school

By By Joe Fisher

LITTLE ROCK — Because the young adolescent years are such an important time in our students' overall development, we need communities in the Tri-Lakes area to come together to ensure that middle-level schools are academically challenging and developmentally appropriate for each and every student.

Working together we can forge stronger educational partnerships among schools, parents, students and community members so that all young adolescents have the opportunity to become all they can be.

Research and experience in schools continue to tell us that the middle school concept works for young adolescents. These characteristics, found in This We Believe: Successful Schools for Young Adolescents published by the National Middle School Association, are built upon years of research and knowing what works best for young adolescents. When these characteristics are all in place, students have the best possibility of reaching their full potential. Too many times, schools simply change their name to "middle school" without fully implementing the foundational concepts. This ultimately short-changes the students and communities the schools serve. Parents, policymakers and educators should strive to assure that middle-level schools in their community include these qualities.

Among the characteristics of a successful middle school, according to the This We Believe book, are:

◊Educators who value working with this age group and are prepared to do so.

Effective middle-level educators understand the developmental uniqueness of the age group, the curriculum they teach, and effective learning and assessment strategies. They need specific teacher preparation before entering the classroom and continuous professional development as they pursue their careers.

◊Courageous, collaborative leadership.

Middle-level leaders understand adolescents, the society, and the theory and practice of middle-level education. As the prime determiner of the school culture, the principal influences student achievement and teacher effectiveness by advocating, nurturing, and sustaining an effective instructional program.

◊A shared vision that guides decisions.

All decisions made about the school should be guided by a shared vision and the mission statement derived from it.

◊An inviting, supportive and safe environment.

A successful school is an inviting, supportive, and safe place, a joyful community that promotes in-depth learning and enhances students' physical and emotional well-being.In such a school, human relationships are paramount.

◊High expectations for every member of the learning community.

Educators and students hold themselves and each other to high expectations. Such conf idence promotes positive attitudes and behaviors and motivates students to tackle challenging learning activities. Successful schools recognize that young adolescents are capable of far more than adults often assume.

◊Students and teachers engaged in active learning.

The most successful learning strategies are ones that involve each student personally. When students routinely assume the role of teacher, and teachers demonstrate that they are still learners, a genuine learning community is present.

◊An adult advocate for every student.

Academic success and personal growth increase markedly when young adolescents' affective needs are met. All adults in successful middle-level schools are advocates, advisors and mentors.

◊School-initiated family and community partnerships.

Successful middle schools promote family involvement and take the initiative to develop needed home-school bonds. The involvement of family is linked to higher levels of student achievement andimproved student behavior.

The middle school helps meet young adolescents' needs to develop social skills, to strengthen communication skills, and to gain advanced knowledge in the basic subjects. With an understanding of the "whys" and "whats" of middle school, the transition to high school should and can be a positive adventure.

(Joe Fisher is principal of Bethel Middle School in Bryant.)at a glance Motto: Educate. Motivate.

Challenge.

Grades: Six through eight Enrollment: 778 Teachers: 51 Mascot: Hornets Colors: Bethel blue and white Athletics: Basketball, football, volleyball, cross country Principal: Joe Fisher Address: 5415 Northlake Road Alexander, AR 72002 Telephone: (501) 316-0937 Web site: http:// bryantschools.org

Tri-Lakes, Pages 60 on 11/13/2008