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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
A middle level school is a friendly and safe place that provides a challenging
academic environment designed to address the needs of 10 to 15 year olds. Middle
schools were created to help this diverse, active group of young people learn and move
successfully through this important stage of life. The middle school provides
students with many opportunities to develop academic skills, acquire fundamental
knowledge, determine their interests and special talents, and experience a sense of
belonging. Middle schools focus upon helping students satisfy their need for close
relationships with teachers and friends while moving toward greater independence.
Here they can learn and develop with the understanding and support of professional
educators who recognize and respond to their individual needs. Why emphasis on active learning? Middle school classrooms are exciting, active places where students ask questions and pursue solutions to problems they have helped to identify. Middle school teachers use many different teaching strategies such as group projects, problem solving activities, cooperative learning groups, lectures, demonstrations, field trips, utilization of community resources. The content studies and activities students engage in help them acquire a balance of fundamental skills and essential knowledge while developing positive attitudes about learning and themselves. Increasingly, research studies support the effectiveness of middle school programs in improving students' academic achievement and overall development. What does a good middle school look like? A good middle school is identified by how well it supports the healthy growth and development of its students. While the school holds high expectations for all students' academic achievement, educators are careful to see that the programs are appropriate to young adolescent learners. Teachers and students may be placed together in teams that provide a sense of family within the larger community. Often, subjects or courses are linked to integrate learning experiences,m thus reflecting life in the actual world. Helping students see how subjects relate to and support each other is important. Students achieve best when activities are related to their out-of-school lives and when they can use skills learned in seeking solutions to real problems. Additional classes in such areas as art, music, technology, drama, foreign languages, and careers offer students opportunities to explore new areas, pursue interests and identify aptitudes. A variety of activities are also provided in clubs, intramurals, student government, and community service projects.
Updated:11/08/05 |
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