Derek Neal, Author at AMLE

Career Exploration and Awareness in the Middle Grades: Research Summary

Posted on May 19, 2023 (May 19, 2023)

Background The authors of The Successful Middle School: This We Believe characterize the middle grades as “a finding place” where “the general approach for the entire curriculum at this level is one of exploration” (Bishop & Harrison, 2021, p. 29). [Young adolescents] need … the chance to conduct science experiments, though they may never choose

The Power of Disciplinary Literacy: How AVID Weekly Brings Subjects to Life

Posted on March 21, 2023

The first time Valerie Minor truly felt the power of disciplinary literacy was when she introduced her AP biology students to the book The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot. “I was able to tie it in to what we were learning in class, and quickly realized that adding the cross-curricular literacy piece

The Connection Between Belonging and Representation

Posted on February 12, 2023 (February 13, 2023)

Students’ sense of belonging matters. Research shows that students who feel they have a voice in class are seven times more likely to feel motivated than those who do not (Quaglia Institute, 2016). Giving students voice and increasing their feelings of belonging at school is pivotal for equity and encouragement of all learners. When students

STEM Learning Across Disciplines: Embedding STEM in Every Classroom, so Every Student Can Be Future-Ready

Posted on February 6, 2023 (February 6, 2023)

If you were to ask a group of middle school students what STEM is, many would answer you confidently with one word: robotics. Though robotics is certainly a part of STEM—and is often used as an introduction to STEM due to its exciting, hands-on approach—STEM learning encompasses more than robotics or gaining knowledge about specific

AMLE Seeks Director of Professional Development

Posted on January 16, 2023 (February 24, 2023)

We’re hiring! Join Team AMLE and be a part of our mission. Director of Professional Development Position Description Applications will be accepted through February 28, 2023. The Director of Professional Development will report to the CEO and serve as a staff middle level education knowledgebase and oversee AMLE’s professional development strategy, including on-site professional development

Simplifying Phenomenon-Based Learning in Science Education

Posted on November 8, 2022 (November 9, 2022)

It seems like everywhere you go, you hear about Phenomenon-Based Learning. The teaching style has steadily grown in popularity over the years, but it’s inclusion in the Next Generation Science Standards has solidified its place in science classrooms across the country. But, what is it? And how do you make it work in your science

Author: Derek Neal

Posts by Derek Neal