How school design fosters professional learning
The middle school philosophy, and
the California Department of Education's (CDE) Twelve Recommendations for Middle Grades Success, come to life by building relationships. In both small learning communities of students, in teacher teams, and in the schoolwide programs, effective middle grades practitioners use strong relationships to foster learning. When remodeling or building a new school, communities that build teaming into the facility design give student and faculty team members easy access to one another and promote professional learning on a daily basis.
In the Spotlight
Silverado Middle School, Dry Creek Joint Elementary School District, a 2003 Schools to Watch™-Taking Center Stage 2003 Model School
A team of parents, teachers, students, and district office representatives who understood middle school philosophy designed the Silverado campus. The school buildings cluster around team “pods” that share a common planning room where members of the teaching teams can meet during breaks to share both materials and ideas. Likewise, students who are a part of the pod’s “family” see all of the team’s teachers daily and feel like part of a community.
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Professional Learning for School Staff Members
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Professional learning about team processes