What's New Content from October 2008
New video features unique intervention program
Watch as a school staff (teachers, administrator, and counselor) at Silverado Middle School in Roseville gather for a POINTE (Positive Intervention Team) meeting to discuss issues faced by a struggling student and identify ways to help him succeed academically and socially. Visit TCSII’s Video Library, (Under Chapter 2) to view the “Positive Intervention Team (POINTE) Meeting” video.
Professional Learning: Experts discuss achievement data, differentiated instruction
View informative and inspiring presentations from two nationally renowned education experts. Russlynn Ali, Executive Director of Education Trust-West, leads a visual tour of achievement gap data and provides in-depth analysis on what it means for middle grades students and educators. Debbie Silver, award-winning author and veteran educator, speaks with humor and passion on how differentiating instruction can meet the diverse needs of middle grades learners. Originally delivered via a statewide Webcast on April 8, 2008, the presentations can be accessed via TCSII’s Professional Learning Toolkit.
School in the Spotlight: Focus on resilience, partnerships make Kastner a school to watch
Discover the effective practices that are bringing solid success to Kastner Intermediate School, one of California’s newest Schools to Watch™-Taking Center Stage model middle schools.
- Visit the Resilience section in Chapter 8 to learn how teachers and staff at Kastner have created a positive school climate that promotes character, respect, and academic excellence.
- In the Partnerships chapter, find out how local businesses and parents are “getting into the act” and playing important roles in Kastner’s success story.
Worth a Click: New information and resources debut on TCSII
- Chapter 1—Rigor: New practice guide offers recommendations to improve literacy levels of young adolescents
- Chapter 2—Instruction, Assessment, and Intervention: New Framework outlines expectations for physical education programs aimed at middle grades students.
- Chapter 2—Instruction, Assessment, and Intervention: New NCLB science test mandate affects middle grades
- Chapter 2—Instruction, Assessment, and Intervention: What middle school educators and parents need to know about the California High School Exit Exam
- Chapter 2—Instruction, Assessment, and Intervention: Association promotes bilingual education for students including those in the middle grades
- Chapter 2—Instruction, Assessment, and Intervention: Web-based project seeks to improve writing skills for middle grades learners
- Chapter 8—Safety, Resilience, and Health: Project promotes safety amid cyber bullying concerns for young adolescents