Articles by Topic

It’s Not About a Trophy for All

Making sure every student has a fair opportunity to demonstrate academic proficiency Evaluating student performance using progressive assessment practices seems to have some people misled regarding its purpose. As my district has moved towards standards-based reporting of student progress, we find ourselves, as expected, explaining the reason behind this shift from traditional grading practices. One

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ReTooling Rubrics

Listening to sixth graders to shape positive outcomes for the use of rubrics With the demand for increased accountability in education today, we must select the most effective assessment approaches to use with our students. Rezaei and Lovorn’s article, “Reliability and Validity of Rubrics for Assessment through Writing,” described our reliance on the use of

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Diving into Standards-Based Learning

Essential steps to developing a standards-based classroom For too long, assessment has been something that is done to learners, and not with learners. Assessment has the power to build confidence, increase hope, and develop strong, reflective learners when used correctly. However, traditionally, assessment has often been a “gotcha” experience or a moment in time to place a value

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Let’s Make a Video

Developing communication and leadership skills through community engagement During the middle school years young adolescents not only become aware of the changes associated with physical and emotional maturity, but they also adjust to new learning standards and expectations. The goals of middle school include fostering the self-esteem, self-worth, and confidence necessary for young adults to

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The Alexander Exploration

Using children’s literature to explore “rich” representations and purposeful tools in mathematics “Everything seems cheap—when was this book made?” asked one student as we embarked on an activity to engage students in a meaningful exploration focused on mathematical modeling and connections using the children’s literature book, Alexander, Who Used to Be Rich Last Sunday (Viorst 1978). In

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High School is Too Late to Start the Career Conversation.

Why Middle School: Challenging an Outdated Paradigm with a New Approach The model has remained steady for decades: wait until kids are juniors or seniors in high school to get them thinking seriously about what education-to-career pathways they may want to pursue after graduation. But let’s put ourselves in the shoes of a high school

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AMLE Celebrates Inaugural Schools of Distinction

AMLE recognized its inaugural class of Schools of Distinction earlier this month, in conjunction with the organization’s 49th Annual Conference in Orlando, Florida. The twelve schools were selected for their fervent commitment to implementing the essential attributes and characteristics of successful middle grades schools. In addition to being celebrated during a special awards ceremony, each

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Reimagining School – What should it look like and who is it for?

Cornelius Minor and Kass Minor help #AMLE22 attendees find their bottom lines as educators Cornelius and Kass Minor believe that kids don’t just learn in school. They become. It’s an attitude reflective of what we know about middle grades best practice, making them the perfect keynoters for #AMLE22 and our return to in-person conference. We

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