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Chapter 1 - Rigor
Video: Leading the Way to Academic Excellence (WMV; 6:50) |
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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) |
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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) |
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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) |
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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) |
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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) |
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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) |
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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) |
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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) |
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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) |
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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) |
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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) |
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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) |
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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) |
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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) |
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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) |
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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.