Conclusion
Relevance, along with rigor and relationships, is one of the key indicators of a high-performing middle grades program. Adolescents have reached a stage of development where they question authority, they are growing in the ability to reason, and they need to find meaning. Without that meaning—or relevance—these technology natives find it easy to tune out adults who seem to not understand them. Adolescents tune in to peers who help them make sense out of the world. Relevant middle grades programs meet students’ needs for meaning and create excitement about learning how they fit into the challenging world of the future.
In the Spotlight
Frank Wright Middle School, Imperial Unified School District, a 2007 Schools to Watch-Taking Center Stage Model School
The staff members at Frank Wright Middle School have developed a comprehensive system of programs and support to ensure that their students feel connected to learning. Developmentally responsive practices used by the school include:
- All students have an adult advocate.
- A strong teaming structure provides opportunities for teachers to connect with students daily.
- Students actively participate in parent-teacher conferences.
- Students are offered an array of electives (art, band, music theory, music appreciation, computers, computer graphics, publications, and Advancement Via Individual Determination [AVID]).
- Parents are partners in the school's educational process.
- After-school activities such as seasonal sports are offered for both boys and girls.
- A variety of clubs are available after school.
- Frank Wright DataQuest School Profile
- Frank Wright Middle School (Outside Source)
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