The Beliefs, Core Values, and Goals were developed by the Middle School Accountability Task Force, January 2007.
The Middle School Task Force, in accordance with the National Middle Schools Association
as identified in This We Believe, believe that successful "middle" schools for young adolescents provide:
• Curriculum that is relevant, challenging, integrative, and exploratory
• Multiple learning and teaching approaches that respond to their diversity
• Assessment and evaluation programs that promote quality learning
• Organizational structures that support meaningful relationships and learning
• School-wide efforts and policies that foster health, wellness, and safety
• Multifaceted guidance and support services
In consideration of the aforementioned Core Beliefs, the Middle School Task Force has identified
the Essential Elements of an effective middle school as described below:
HIGH QUALITY INSTRUCTION
• To determine what students should know and be able to do based on state content standards and
provide the necessary supports to schools, staff, and parents to enable students to reach the expected outcomes.
MULTIPLE & AUTHENTIC ASSESSMENTS
• To use multiple summative and formative assessments which are embedded in the curriculum to measure individual
student learning and to effectively enhance instructional practice.
EARLY & TARGETED INTERVENTIONS
• To support all students in the core instructional program to enable them to meet appropriate state standards, succeed
academically, pass CAHSEE and meet A- G requirements. Intervention programs must meet the academic and developmental
students through a variety of opportunities both in and beyond the school day.
RESULTS-BASED PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
• To improve student learning through the continuous development of knowledge and skills that builds a culture of educators and enhances collaborative learning which incorporates the vision, expectations and rationale of the essential elements of a successful middle school.
ENGAGING PARTNERSHIPS
• To actively engage parents, families, and communities as partners in school programs and activities, to include their voice in the decision-making process, and gain their support and assistance in educating middle school students.
SAFE & CARING ENVIRONMENT
• To create an environment that fosters personal relationships among adults and peers to meet the social, emotional, and developmental needs of all students in a safe and caring atmosphere on all middle school campuses.
ORGANIZATION & PERSONALIZATION
• To organize time, staff, students and facilities to promote personalization that ensures academic proficiency.
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