Pages 1-26 of This We Believe

Throughout these first 26 pages, I conclude that the NMSA has a solid opinion on what a middle school should consist of and how the teachers should relate to their students. In middle school, students are constantly changing and growing and maturing at different paces. Middle school is the link in the pre K-16 curriculum and is the most crucial time in a young adolescent’s life. Middle school essentially sets the stage for success in high school and further, throughout career goals and planning for college. The middle school movement started in the 1960’s and continuously changes. In the 1980’s, we are taught that the “middle grades” is where the teachers and specific practices are the main focuses. Further, into chapter 2, we see the continuum of the curriculum, “middle school students deserve an education that will enhance their healthy growth as lifelong learners, ethical and democratic citizens and increasingly competent, self-sufficient individuals who are optimistic about the future and prepared to succeed in our ever-changing world.” Isn’t this a lot to ask of ourselves and our students? Where do we start? How does this whole process work? On page 14, the NMSA introduces us to a chart of 16 characteristics of the “successful school” for young adolescents, which at first glance seems overwhelming, but when supplemented together help create an excellent place for learning, engaging, growth and success. This portion of the reading focused mainly on curriculum, instruction and assessment. Teachers need to value each of these aspects across the board, just as students would so the engagement factor is always there. In this first category, we must remember that we have to be sensitive to each individual and their learning styles. We are essentially role models for are students. If they cannot connect with us, then who can they turn to? When focused on curriculum, it is important that we make connections to real-world and their individual interests to reach a particular goal and objective. It is key to focus on issues that matter to keep the attention of our students. This chapter overall felt like aspects we already should know through practicum but drove all the important aspects home as to how and why we do what we do.