Articles by Topic

Grading Reform

Defining Grades: A Middle School’s Approach to Grading Reform

Conversations with students are a highlight of many administrators’ day. Often, the conversation turns towards the child’s academic progress. During the first quarter of my first year at the middle school, I met with a child who had been given a homework assignment described as “progress report signed” for which he had received a grade

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Career Pathways in Middle School

To Give Students the Best Shot at Success, Introduce Career Pathways in Middle School

Career Exploration is possible in every school and for every student with the right playbook in hand. The middle school years — for good reason — are often called “the last best chance.” These are pivotal years for youth, as they develop rapidly in their critical, analytical, and creative thinking skills and desire to set

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SAFE Schools

A Modern Epistolary Approach to S.A.F.E Schools

Regardless of the educational model, concerns over how to address students’ social-emotional needs and potential learning gaps have taken center stage. How do we meet learning needs and deliver instruction safely for all students, staff, their families, and the larger school community? It is a tall order to prioritize and balance student mental health, wellness, and

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Trending Topics

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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Kindness is harder than it looks.

Houston Kraft reminds #AMLE22 attendees that connection doesn’t happen by accident. Houston Kraft, author and co-founder of CharacterStrong, took the main stage at #AMLE22 yesterday for his keynote address on Deep Kindness. From the outset, he made clear that he had a mission for those in attendance. “If we want more kindness on our campus,

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