California Department of Education

Taking Center Stage – Act II (TCSII)

A Portal for Middle Grades Educators

Taking Center Stage

Search

"In the Spotlight" Schools

in Chapter Order

Chapter 1 — Rigor

• Galt Joint Union Elementary School District (Outside Source)

Grades and effective standards-based reporting

• Gaspar DePortola Middle School (Outside Source)

Vocabulary development

• McKinleyville Middle School  (Outside Source)

Grades and effective standards-based reporting

• Mathson Middle School (Outside Source)

High expectations for all students

• Monroe Clark Middle School  (Outside Source)

Reciprocal teaching

Oral reading strategies

• Newark Junior High School

Oral reading strategies

• Ocean View Junior High School  (DOC; Outside Source)

Grades and effective standards-based reporting

• Olive Peirce Middle School (Outside Source)

Teaming Practices Related to Academic Rigor

• Rancho Cucamonga Middle School (Outside Source)

Pacing guides

• Silverado Middle School (Outside Source) 

Grades and effective standards-based reporting

Chapter 2 — Instruction, Assessment, and Intervention

• Alvarado Intermediate School (Outside Source)

Mathematics instruction

Response to Intervention (RtI) and special education

Tutoring and homework centers

Teaming Practices Related to Intervention

• Bernice Ayer Middle School (Outside Source)

Bilingual instruction

Mathematics instruction

Teaching Students with Special Needs

Teaming Practices Related to Instruction

• Culver City Middle (Outside Source)

Saturday school

• Del Norte County Unified School District (Outside Source)

History-social science instruction

• Garner Middle School (Outside Source)

Visual and performing arts

• Gaspar DePortola Middle School (Outside Source)

Interventions for mathematics

• Georgetown School (Outside Source)

Visual and performing arts

• Hilltop Middle School (PDF; Outside Source)

Foreign/world languages

After school academies

• Iron Horse Middle School (Outside Source)

Response to Intervention (RtI) and special education

• John Glenn Middle School of International Studies (Outside Source)  

Visual and performing arts

Study skills —teaching students how to learn

Response to Intervention (RtI)

• Kennedy Middle School (Outside Source)

Interventions for Bilingual Students

Interventions for mathematics

• Luther Burbank Middle School (Outside Source)

History-social science instruction

• McCaffrey Middle School (Outside Source)

Science instruction

• McKinleyville Middle School  (Outside Source)

Teaching Students with Special Needs

Teaming Practices Related to Intervention

• Margarita Middle School (Outside Source)

Visual and performing arts

• Mathson Middle School (Outside Source)

CAPA and English learners

• Medea Creek Middle School (Outside Source)

Differentiated Instruction

• Millikan Middle School and Performing Arts Magnet (Outside Source)

Interventions for Bilingual Students

• Mills Middle School (Outside Source)

Visual and performing arts

• Rancho Cucamonga Middle School (Outside Source)

Teaching writing

Mathematics instruction

• Rancho Milpitas Middle School (Outside Source)

Differentiated Instruction

Interventions for mathematics

Teaming Practices Related to Intervention

• Reyburn Intermediate School (Outside Source)

Test preparation

After school academies

• Richard Henry Dana Middle School (Outside Source)

Interventions for mathematics

Teaming Practices Related to Intervention

• Rincon Middle School (Outside Source)

Least restrictive environments (LREs)

• Rio Norte Junior High School (Outside Source)

History-social science instruction

Common benchmark assessments

Interventions for mathematics

• Santa Cruz County Office of Education (Outside Source)

Teaching writing

• Serrano Intermediate School (Outside Source)

Study skills —teaching students how to learn

• Toby Johnson Middle School (Outside Source)

Algebra

• Vista Academy for Visual and Performing Arts (Outside Source)

Visual and performing arts

• Willowside Middle School (Outside Source)

Science instruction

• Wiseburn School District (Outside Source)

Teaching writing

• Homework: Subject area homework template for team coordination (DOC; 31KB; 1 p.)

Chapter 3 — Time

• Alvarado Intermediate School (Outside Source)

Six period days

• Bernice Ayer Middle School (Outside Source)

Rotating block

• Castaic Middle School  (Outside Source)

Time for counseling and mental health

• Culver City Middle  (Outside Source)

Six period days

Other schedule variations

• Gaspar DePortola Middle School (Outside Source)

Other schedule variations

• Granite Oaks Middle School (Outside Source)

Teacher preparation

• Hollister School District  (Outside Source)        

Other schedule variations

• John Glenn Middle School of International Studies  (Outside Source)      

Time for tutoring and mentoring

Time for counseling and mental health

Time for celebrations

Time for Professional Learning Community Activities

• McKinleyville Middle School (Outside Source)

Time for accelerated academic interventions

Seven- or eight-period days

• Medea Creek Middle School (Outside Source)

Other schedule variations

• Rancho Cucamonga Middle School (Outside Source)

Time for electives

• Rancho Milpitas Middle School (Outside Source)

Six-period days

• Reyburn Intermediate School (Outside Source)

Time for clubs and co-curricular experiences

Rotating block

• Richard Henry Dana Middle School (Outside Source)

Time for tutoring and mentoring

Time for counseling and mental health

• Sam Brannan Middle School (Outside Source)

Master schedules

• Toby Johnson Middle School (Outside Source)

Other schedule variations

Chapter 4 — Relevance

• Alvarado Intermediate School (Outside Source)

Cross-curricular connections; writing across the curriculum

Electives and exploratory courses (interest-based)

• Frank Wright Middle School (Outside Source)

Conclusion

• Gaspar DePortola Middle School (Outside Source)

Libraries/media centers

Electives and exploratory courses (interest-based)

Real-world connections

Field trips

• Herbert Hoover Middle School (Outside Source)

Personalized environment and opportunities for student voice

Teacher Web pages

• John Glenn Middle School of International Studies (Outside Source)

Student interactive assessment and response remote systems

• Lee Middle School (Outside Source)

Career technical education

• Lemon Grove Middle School (Outside Source)

Computer access

• Luther Burbank Middle School (Outside Source)

Service-learning

• McKinleyville Middle School (Outside Source)

Making the Middle Grades Relevant and Engaging

Cross-curricular connections; writing across the curriculum

Project-based learning

Service-learning

Meaningful participation

• Maywood Intermediate School (Outside Source)

Integrating Technology

• Monte Vista Middle School (Outside Source)

Service-learning

• Nobel Middle School (Outside Source)

Real-world connections

Project-based learning

• Olive Peirce Middle School (Outside Source)

Cross-curricular connections; writing across the curriculum

• Rancho Milpitas Middle School (Outside Source)

Libraries/media centers

• Redwood Middle School (Outside Source)

Service-learning

• Reyburn Intermediate School (Outside Source)

Real-world connections

• Richard Henry Dana Middle School (Outside Source)

Libraries/media centers

• Rincon Intermediate School (Outside Source)

  Developmentally Responsive Middle Grades Practices

  Cross-curricular connections; writing across the curriculum

• Rio Norte Junior High School (Outside Source)

Multicultural experiences

Online tutorials

• Saddleback Valley Unified School District (Outside Source)

Teacher Web pages

• Serrano Intermediate School (Outside Source)

Online tutorials

• Templeton Middle School (Outside Source)

Real-world connections

• Toby Johnson Middle School (Outside Source)

Electives and exploratory courses (interest-based)

• Winship Middle School (Outside Source)

Electives and exploratory courses (interest-based)

Service-learning

Integrating Technology

Computer modeling

Email

• Zane (Catherine) Middle School (Outside Source)

Project-based learning

Service-learning

Student Web sites and Webcasts

Email

Videography

Chapter 5 — Relationships

• Aliso Viejo Middle School (Outside Source)

Character celebrations

• Alta Sierra Intermediate School (Outside Source)

School spirit celebrations

• Alvarado Intermediate School (Outside Source)

Small Learning Communities

Celebrations—a culture based on caring and success

Promotions

• Bernice Ayer Middle School (Outside Source)

Relationships with Peers

• Castaic Middle School  (Outside Source)

Small Learning Communities

Advisory programs (homeroom)

• Edna Hill Middle School (Outside Source)

Looping

• Goleta Valley Junior High (Outside Source)

Small Learning Communities

• Granite Oaks Middle School (Outside Source)

Advisory programs (homeroom)

• Kennedy Middle School (Outside Source)

Opportunities to cooperate (cooperative learning)

• McKinleyville Middle School  (Outside Source)

Discipline

• Millikan Middle School and Performing Arts Magnet (Outside Source)

Small Learning Communities

Effort/motivation celebrations

• Mulholland Middle School (Outside Source)

Small Learning Communities

• Olive Peirce Middle School (Outside Source)

Qualified and caring teachers

• Rancho Cucamonga Middle School (Outside Source)

Academic celebrations

• Redwood Middle School (Outside Source)

Relationship building through student clubs and connections

• Reyburn Intermediate School (Outside Source)

Qualified and caring teachers

• Rio Norte Junior High School (Outside Source)

Relationships with Peers

Academic celebrations

Effort/motivation celebrations

Qualified and caring teachers

Advisory programs (homeroom)

Classified staff

• Serrano Intermediate School (Outside Source)

Relationships with Peers

• Summit Intermediate School (DOC; Outside Source)

Relationship building through student clubs and connections

Advisory programs (homeroom)     

• Toby Johnson Middle School (Outside Source)

Small Learning Communities

Looping

• Winship Middle School (Outside Source)

Relationship building through student clubs and connections

Sports

Chapter 6 — Transitions

• Alvarado Intermediate School (Outside Source)

Intervention courses and after-school programs

• Bernice Ayer Middle School (Outside Source)

The Importance of Easing Transitions for Young Adolescents

• Castaic Middle School  (Outside Source)

Integration into middle grades life

• Edna Hill Middle School (Outside Source)

Integration into middle grades life

• Granite Oaks Middle School (Outside Source)

Articulation Agreements with Elementary Schools

• Herbert Hoover Middle School (Outside Source)

Enrichment options to prepare for high school

• John Glenn Middle School of International Studies  (Outside Source)      

Academic counseling to prepare for transitions

Mentor/buddies for incoming students

Integration into middle grades life

Family welcome and involvement

• Kennedy Middle School (Outside Source)

Course articulation

• La Mesa Middle School (Outside Source)

Family welcome and involvement

• Los Angeles Unified School District (Outside Source)

Articulation Agreements with Destination High Schools

• Olive Peirce Middle School (Outside Source)

Newsletters, newspapers, school Web sites, and plays to demystify the middle grades

• Perris High School (Outside Source)

Social promotion versus summer school and bridge programs

• Perris Union High School District (Outside Source)

Articulated assessments

• Rancho Cucamonga Middle School (Outside Source)

Articulated assessments

• Rio Norte Junior High School (Outside Source)

Course articulation

Mentor/buddies for incoming students

Family welcome and involvement

• San Francisco Unified School District (Outside Source)

Articulation Agreements with Destination High Schools

• Toby Johnson Middle School (Outside Source)

Articulation Agreements with Elementary Schools

Articulation Agreements with Destination High Schools

Enrichment options to prepare for high school

• Winship Middle School (Outside Source)

Integration into middle grades life

Chapter 7 — Access

• Canyon Middle School (Outside Source)

Language acquisition

Access to facilities and instructional materials

• Edna Hill Middle School (Outside Source)

Socioeconomic status

• Holmes International Middle School (Outside Source)

The chance to engage potential dropouts

Socioeconomic status

• Holtville Middle School (Outside Source)

Strategies Common to Effective Middle Grades Programs

• Lemon Grove Middle School (Outside Source)

Socioeconomic status

• Millikan Middle School and Performing Arts Magnet (Outside Source)

Language acquisition

• Moreno Valley Unified (Outside Source)

Socioeconomic status

• Norwalk-La Miranda Unified School District (Outside Source)

Socioeconomic status

• Richard Henry Dana Middle School (Outside Source)

Access to heterogeneous groupings to the fullest extent possible

• Sacramento City Unified School District (Outside Source)

Language acquisition

• Sutter Middle School (Outside Source)

Access to advanced programs

Chapter 8 — Safety, Resilience, and Health

• Canyon Middle School (Outside Source)

Bullying prevention

• Cesar Chavez Middle School (Outside Source)

Nutrition and fitness

• Fontana Unified School District (Outside Source)

Attendance, tardiness, truancy, and the School Attendance Review Board (SARB)

• Fortuna Middle School (Outside Source)

Resilience—Strengthening Protective Factors and Developmental Assets

• Gaspar DePortola Middle School (Outside Source)

Health supports

• Granite Oaks Middle School (Outside Source)

Safe and engaging facilities

Counseling

• McKinleyville Middle School  (Outside Source)

Conflict resolution

• Rancho Cucamonga Middle School (Outside Source)

Attendance, tardiness, truancy, and the School Attendance Review Board (SARB))

• Reyburn Intermediate School (Outside Source)

 Health supports

• Richard Henry Dana Middle School (Outside Source)

Conflict resolution

Counseling

Nutrition and fitness

• Serrano Intermediate School (Outside Source)

A Safe and Healthy School Environment

Discipline—a fair, consistent, and positive approach

Character education

• Ventura County Office of Education (Outside Source)

Resilience—Strengthening Protective Factors and Developmental Assets

Chapter 9 — Leadership

• Granite Oaks Middle School (Outside Source)

Ensure availability of instructional resources

Teacher leadership

• Long Beach Unified School District (Outside Source)

Local governing board support for articulation

• Los Angeles Unified School District (Outside Source)

County leadership

• McKinleyville Middle School (Outside Source)

Ensure availability of instructional resources

• Reyburn Intermediate School (Outside Source)

Principals—the Learning Leaders

• Richard Henry Dana Middle School (Outside Source)

Ensure availability of instructional resources

• Rio Norte Junior High School (Outside Source)

Local governing board support for articulation

Parent and family leadership

• San Francisco Unified School District (Outside Source)

Fiscal support from the local governing board

• Serrano Intermediate School (Outside Source)

Categorical Program Monitoring

Technology Support for Leaders

• Snowline Joint Unified School District (Outside Source)

Provide curriculum and instructional leadership

• Toby Johnson Middle School (Outside Source)

Student leadership

Chapter 10 — Professional Learning

• Aliso Viejo Middle School (Outside Source)

Professional learning from instructional coaches

• Alvarado Intermediate School (Outside Source)

Professional learning from content experts

• Frank Wright Middle School (Outside Source)

Conclusion

• Granite Oaks Middle School (Outside Source)

Professional learning through peer observation

• Holmes International Middle School (Outside Source)

Ongoing professional learning for teacher satisfaction and retention

• Kennedy Middle School (Outside Source)

Professional learning through lesson studies

• Mathson Middle School (Outside Source)

Professional learning about data review and use

• Olive Peirce Middle School (Outside Source)

Professional learning about sharing time

Professional learning for beginning educators

• Richard Henry Dana Middle School (Outside Source)

Professional learning for beginning educators

Professional learning from instructional coaches

• Rincon Intermediate School (Outside Source)

Professional learning from content experts

• Serrano Intermediate School (Outside Source)

Professional learning from content experts

• Silverado Middle School (Outside Source) 

How school design fosters professional learning

• Toby Johnson Middle School (Outside Source)

Professional learning about classroom management

• Torch Middle School (Outside Source)

Ongoing professional learning for teacher satisfaction and retention

Chapter 11 — Accountability

• Alvarado Intermediate School (Outside Source)

Accountability in preparing students for all course work

• Castaic Middle School  (Outside Source)

Accountability through student-led parent conferences

• Edna Hill Middle School (Outside Source)

Accountability through student-led parent conferences

• Kennedy Middle School (Outside Source)

Accountability in preparing students for all course work

• McKinleyville Middle School (Outside Source)

Accountability through student-led parent conferences

• Millikan Middle School and Performing Arts Magnet (Outside Source)

Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP)

• Rancho Milpitas Middle School (Outside Source)

Accountability through student-led parent conferences

Chapter 12 — Partnerships

• Aliso Viejo Middle School (Outside Source)

Businesses

Nonprofit organizations

Government agencies

• Alvarado Intermediate School (Outside Source)

Parental, Family, and Adults-Who-Care Involvement

• Bernice Ayer Middle School (Outside Source)

Partnerships with higher education

• Canyon Middle School (Outside Source)

Partnerships with the Community

• Castaic Middle School  (Outside Source)

Parental, Family, and Adults-Who-Care Involvement

• Edna Hill Middle School (Outside Source)

Nonprofit organizations

• Empire Union Elementary District (Outside Source)

Partnerships with higher education

• Gaspar DePortola Middle School (Outside Source)

Homework Help and Academic Expectations

• George A. Buljan Middle School (Outside Source)

Businesses

• Herbert Hoover Middle School (Outside Source)

Homework Help and Academic Expectations

• Hilltop Middle School (Outside Source)

Homework Help and Academic Expectations

• Hollencrest Middle School (Outside Source)

Homework Help and Academic Expectations

• Holmes International Middle School (Outside Source)

Partnerships with the Community

Partnerships with higher education

• John Glenn Middle School of International Studies (Outside Source)      

Involving language-minority parents/guardians

• Kern County Superintendent of Schools Office (Outside Source)

District and regional offices

• Lemon Grove Middle School (Outside Source)

Homework Help and Academic Expectations

• McKinleyville Middle School (Outside Source)

Parent and family education

Partnerships with higher education

• Monroe Clark Middle School (Outside Source)

Higher education

• Newark Junior High School (Outside Source)

Nearby Schools

• Ocean View Junior High School  (DOC; Outside Source)

Involving language-minority parents/guardians

Nearby Schools

• Richard Henry Dana Middle School (Outside Source)

Businesses

Nearby Schools

• Rincon Intermediate School (Outside Source)

Involving language-minority parents/guardians

• Rio Norte Junior High School (Outside Source)

Parent conferences

Nearby Schools

• Riverside County Achievement Team (RCAT) (Outside Source)

District and regional offices

• San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools (Outside Source)

Partnerships with the Community

• Sierra Intermediate School (Outside Source)

Businesses

• Torch Middle School (Outside Source)

Involving language-minority parents/guardians

• Winship Middle School (Outside Source)

Government agencies

• Zane (Catherine) Middle School (Outside Source)

Adult mentors

 

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