Your weekly source of learner-centered inspiration
Dear Educator,
My son turned 13 this week and we took him and some of his friends to an amusement park to celebrate. As a former middle school teacher, I was reminded how energetic, loud, fun, and disorganized groups of middle schoolers are! As I watched the boys bouncing off the walls (literally), it also reinforced how critical it is that middle schools (grades 6-8) are designed to meet the biological, developmental, social, and emotional needs of 11-14 year olds. Their bodies, brains, and hormones are changing so rapidly, and the best schools harness and channel the energy rather than trying to stifle it.
Advisory structures for small groups to build relationships and have an adult mentor.
Teaming structures that allow for better relationships, flexibility, and alignment.
Authentic, interdisciplinary learning experiences that allow students to apply what they are learning in relevant ways.
This week I want to highlight one of my favorite middle schools that is designed specifically to meet the needs of young adolescents and bring out the best in them.
We want to hear from you! Share your Learner-Centered Bright Spot with us here.
BRIGHT SPOT OF THE WEEK
The best middle school practices are impactful for all learners
SEEQS: the School for Examining Essential Questions of Sustainability is an innovative public charter school in Honolulu, Hawaiʻi founded by Dr. Buffy Cushman-Patz. SEEQS exemplifies a school that understands the developmental needs of young adolescents. Learning experiences and structures are designed to make learners safe and teach them how to manage their time and responsibilities, all while developing their agency in powerful ways.
Check out the SEEQS Experience (click below to play video):
Not only are the crucial elements of successful middle schools present, including advisory, teaming, and authentic, interdisciplinary learning, but their place-based model is also rooted in Hawai’i where students are exploring the land, developing questions and learning how to become better stewards of the islands and planet.
As a middle school educator I have long advocated for these practices in middle schools because it is right for young adolescents, but I also believe that these are best practices for all schools.
Are you implementing (at any grade level) the practices for successful middle schools? I’d love to hear about them!
Explore resources that support a learner-centered approach at any grade level.
1. Learner-Centered Collaborative podcast. Check out episode 13 where I tap into school leader and author Shane Safir’s deep experience creating equitable learning environments, especially for low-income students of color.
2. Trailblazer Summit survey.Help shape a national agenda for student-centered assessment and accountability! Take this survey we’re conducting as part of our efforts to support the Trailblazer Summit along with Knowledgeworks and a collective of student-centered organizations. By completing it you’ll receive an early look at a report that will be shared with our nation’s leaders.
