> > > Hi Bill, > Can you tell us what middle school is supposed to be about? > Jan >
In short, it's about the kids. It is supposed to give the kids a buffer between elementary and high school which allows for the fact that kids go through so many changes (physically, mentally, and emotionally) during this delicate time. Teams are supposed to be one of the main components of a middle school with a team of teachers teaching a group of students in order to build a sense of membership and belonging. With the same group of students, teachers can stay aware of what is going on in a child's life and let one another know. Research shows that mentally, students don't make as many gains as they do in elementary. Instead, they are developing physically. The brain doesn't kick back in until about 8th or 9th grade. Middle school is supposed to help them through these changes. High school teachers, on the other hand, tend to give more of the "student as empty vessel" teaching and less nurturing... Another component of middle school is supposed to be a Counseling class which helps the kids with character development, self esteem, and working with others. It allows them a safe environment to adjust to the changes they are experiencing. It's supposed to build a sense of community and teaming. A junior high model bascially does away with all this and just has kids changing classes with teachers who don't work together for the benefit of the students...in short, a high school model for young people who are desperately in need of guidance and understanding...and who won't get it. Bill _______________________________________________ Mosaic mailing list [email protected] To unsubscribe or modify your membership please go to http://literacyworkshop.org/mailman/options/mosaic_literacyworkshop.org. Search the MOSAIC archives at http://snipurl.com/MosaicArchive.
