THE SOUTHERN FORUM TO ACCELERATE MIDDLE GRADES REFORM

Belief Statement The Southern Forum believes: ·Young adolescents in the middle grades are capable of learning and achieving at high levels. Their characteristic energy, curiosity, and social interests should be used to enhance learning and prepare young adolescents to make choices that lead to fulfilling lives and productive citizenship.   ·High performing middle grades schools have academically challenging and meaningful curriculum. High expectations are held for all students. A balanced program is provided which not only emphasizes learning fundamental knowledge and basic communication skills but also includes understanding contemporary issues.   ·Effective middle-grades schools have the organizational structures and instruction that support equal learning opportunities for every student. Students and their diversity are respected. Instructional strategies employed are varied and emphasize interactions among and between teachers and students in true learning communities. Students are actively involved in planning and carrying out instructional activities as well as assessment measures.   ·Successful middle grades schools encourage responsive and respectful interactions among adults in the school, the students, their families and the community. Strong lines of communication are maintained with families concerning the schooling of young adolescents. The full involvement and support of families and the local community as partners in the educational programs of schools is considered essential to maximizing the educational experiences of young adolescents.   ·Effective middle grades teachers and administrators are well prepared and specifically trained for working with young adolescents. They are committed to their own continuous learning and to applying effective research based instructional strategies to classroom practice.   ·Collaborative relationships among a broad base of stakeholders are necessary to achieve and sustain high performing schools. Local leaders, state departments of education, policymakers, and other stakeholders that are knowledgeable of effective middle level practice and organization are better able to generate support and mobilize resources for middle grades education.   ·The southern region has extensive resources and exemplary programs that address the challenges faced by middle grades schools. Our continuous challenge, as a southern region, is to build on these strengths so that all young adolescents have the support they need to learn and achieve at high levels and to develop the personal attributes needed to become lifelong learners and healthy adults. Now is the time to act. About the Forum | Schools to Watch | News & Updates Research & Policy | Training | Tools & Resources Home   Contact the Southern Forum to Accelerate Middle Grades Reform at: Southern Forum PO Box 5216 Suite 9, The Razook Building Pinehurst, NC 28374 info@southernforum.org Last Updated April 25, 2005 © 2003-2005 Southern Forum to Accelerate Middle Grades Reform National Forum logo, graphics, and criteria used by permission.