As we reflect upon our vision of "Communities Investing in Success for All Students," grades K through 12, I would like to bring particular attention to the middle years. Parents and educators of middle schoolers know that this is a critical transitional period for young tee ns. DoDDS Pacific middle schools strive to maintain a balance between the developmental needs of middle level students and simultaneously ensure rigorous academic programs to promote high student achievement and preparation for high school.
At the middle school level, we have implemented specific programs that address the unique qualities of students in the middle grades. These programs are designed to encourage middle level students to become life-long learners, build confidence, make healthy lifestyle choices, and demonstrate a willingness to accept challenges. DoDDS Pacific is committed to providing a middle level curricular and extra-curricular program that responds to their curiosity, energy and willingness to pursue new opportunities.
Many of our schools are able to offer exploratory courses for nine or eigh tee n weeks in order to allow middle level students to develop interests and skills in a wide range of subject areas. Additionally, DoDDS Pacific has promoted several programs to support the individual needs of these students. Almost every DoDDS Pacific school has implemented Advancement via Individual Determination (AVID) for 7 th and 8 th grade students. AVID supports students scoring in the middle range on tests and grades by bolstering their skills and confidence. The program encourages students to explore a broader range of career and college opportunities. This school year, classroom teachers from middle schools in the Pacific received training in AVID methodologies and received supplemental instructional materials to support their subject areas.
Another program implemented in all middle schools in SY 03-04 was Scholastic's Read 180 Stage B. This well-validated reading program assists struggling readers to improve fundamental reading skills by systematically engaging them in high interest reading material and providing individualized instruction.
Finally, to assist middle level students with social development as well as academic growth, DoDDS Pacific has purchased Character Counts, a violence prevention curriculum, for all schools. Students learn problem solving, communication, citizenship and character development skills.
Next school year will see additional improvements to DoDDS Pacific middle level programs. Increased staffing in the middle schools will allow for reduced class sizes, provide additional opportunities for academic support, and open more opportunities for Professional Technical Studies courses.
John H. Lounsbury, university professor, publishing editor of the National Middle School Association Journal and considered to be the founding father of today's middle school reform efforts, writes in Understanding and Appreciating the Wonder Years , "No other age level is of more importance to the future of individuals, and literally, to that of society; because these are the years when youngsters crystallize their beliefs about themselves and firm up their self-concepts, their philosophies of life and their values-the things that are the ultimate determinants of their behaviors."
Middle level students are faced with many critical choices and need clear direction and mentoring to tackle the challenges of adolescence. It is important for all of us--teachers, parents, and the community--to make a concerted effort to partner and to support opportunities for our middle schools students to feel valued and connected.
Nancy
C. Bresell
Director, DoDDS Pacific
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