California Department of Education
Taking Center Stage – Act II

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Chapter 1 - Rigor

Video: Leading the Way to Academic Excellence (WMV; 6:50) | MOV

Abstract: Educators at Toby Johnson Middle School and Rio Norte Junior High School design and deliver rigorous curricula, assess how well students are meeting California’s content standards, and collaboratively adjust teaching to improve student learning.



Chapter 2 - Instruction, Assessment and Intervention

Video: Kinesthetic Learning, Part I (WMV; 5:36) | MOV

Abstract: A science teacher at Rio Norte Junior High School in Santa Clarita differentiates instruction using a creative and fun approach to teach the properties of the three states of matter.



Video: Kinesthetic Learning, Part II (WMV; 5:04) | MOV

Abstract: A science teacher at Rio Norte Junior High School in Santa Clarita differentiates instruction using a creative and fun approach to teach the properties of the three states of matter.



Chapter 3 - Time

Video: Scheduling for Success (WMV; 6:05) | MOV

Abstract: At Toby Johnson Middle School in Elk Grove, an innovative four-by-four block schedule gives students extra time for reading and math and nearly two dozen elective choices, while affording teachers time to collaborate, plan, and meet the daily needs of students.



Chapter 4 - Relevance

Video: Career Technical Education: Agriculture Class (WMV; 6:19) | MOV

Abstract: Students in the agriculture class at Reyburn Intermediate School in Clovis, experience real-world connections through participation in a mock swine auction, guided practice with ear notching, and a trip to the school’s swine barn for authentic follow-up to classroom learning.



Chapter 5 - Relationships

Video: Making Connections, Part I (WMV; 5:19) | MOV

Abstract: In Santa Clarita, teachers form close relationships with each other and with students as part of Rio Norte Junior High School’s organizational structure and interdisciplinary teaming approach. Each team is a close-knit community that fosters the social, emotional, and academic success of young adolescents.



Video: Making Connections, Part II (WMV; 4:21) | MOV

Abstract: In Santa Clarita, teachers form close relationships with each other and with students as part of Rio Norte Junior High School’s organizational structure and interdisciplinary teaming approach. Each team is a close-knit community that fosters the social, emotional, and academic success of young adolescents.



Chapter 6 Transitions

Video: A Jump Start into Middle School (WMV; 8:18) | MOV

Abstract: Teachers and administrators at Toby Johnson Middle School in Elk Grove help ease the transition from elementary school for incoming seventh graders through JumpStart. The three-day, summer program offers students academic “tune up” time, the chance to meet teachers and other students (including the eighth grade members of the leadership team), and an opportunity to become comfortable with middle school expectations.



Chapter 7 - Access

Video: Making It Happen For Every Student! - Part I (WMV; 6:00) | MOV

Abstract: During and after-school activities allow students to demonstrate their personal bests, artistically express themselves, and exhibit leadership potential. R.H. Dana Middle School’s AVID class uses motivational and teambuilding activities to improve academic achievement. Dana’s Arts Alive program gives students fun time to socialize while beautifying the campus and promoting school events. In Rio Norte Junior High School’s Yes-I-Can program, student mentors are paired with disabled students resulting in unexpected friendships and appreciation of students’ unique qualities.



Video: Making It Happen For Every Student! - Part II (WMV; 6:04) | MOV

Abstract: During and after-school activities allow students to demonstrate their personal bests, artistically express themselves, and exhibit leadership potential. R.H. Dana Middle School’s AVID class uses motivational and teambuilding activities to improve academic achievement. Dana’s Arts Alive program gives students fun time to socialize while beautifying the campus and promoting school events. In Rio Norte Junior High School’s Yes-I-Can program, student mentors are paired with disabled students resulting in unexpected friendships and appreciation of students’ unique qualities.



Chapter 8 - Safety, Resilience, and Health

Video: Connecting With Kids, Part I (WMV; 5:06) | MOV

Abstract: In Felton, educators and staff at San Lorenzo Valley Middle School identify, seek out, and actively support “No Dot Kids,” isolated and struggling students with no solid connections to any adults at school. The program’s success is illustrated in profiles of two students who, with the support of caring adults, are fulfilling their potential.



Video: Connecting With Kids, Part II (WMV; 6:30) | MOV

Abstract: In Felton, educators and staff at San Lorenzo Valley Middle School identify, seek out, and actively support “No Dot Kids,” isolated and struggling students with no solid connections to any adults at school. The program’s success is illustrated in profiles of two students who, with the support of caring adults, are fulfilling their potential.



Chapter 9 - Leadership

Video: Focusing on Leadership (WMV; 6:37) | MOV

Abstract: Educators offer their perspectives on the importance of leadership in achieving middle grades excellence. Featured are the role of a county office of education in supporting school districts as well as a district superintendent’s commitment to recruit “star” district and school site leaders. One principal describes the qualities he seeks when hiring middle grades teachers while another details how she provides feedback that supports teaching and learning.



Chapter 10 - Professional Learning

Video: Professional Development: Catalyst for Improved Teaching and Learning (WMV; 4:22) | MOV

Abstract: The Dehesa School District superintendent discusses the importance of providing teachers with high quality professional development opportunities that lead to improved teaching and learning. Administrators at William S. Hart Union School District seek out teacher leaders at school sites who proactively provide training to their colleagues. At Reyburn Intermediate School, teachers attend a professional development session on integrating technology into the classroom.



Chapter 11 - Accountability

Video: It's About Accountability (WMV; 6:42) | MOV

Abstract: The superintendent of a small district in El Cajon expresses the importance that all stakeholders—students, parents, teachers, principals—understand and accept their roles in an accountability system. A GATE science teacher at Sutter Middle School in Sacramento uses rubrics to clarify expectations about assignments and communicate how student work will be evaluated.



Chapter 12 - Partnerships

Video: Partnering for Student Success (WMV; 5:34) | MOV

Abstract: Two engineers from Raytheon, a high tech company in Southern California, spend a few hours each week tutoring students in math and algebra as part of R. H. Dana Middle School’s Math Mentor U program. Two students explain how the program has helped them complete homework and improve their understanding of mathematical concepts.