New Jersey Association for Middle Level Educators The National Forum - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

New Jersey Association for Middle Level Educators The National Forum To Accelerate Middle-Grades Reform New Jersey Education Association

Schools To Watch Criteria

 Academic Excellence

 These Schools Challenge all students to use their minds well

 Developmental Responsiveness

 These schools are sensitive to the unique developmental

challenges of early adolescence

 Social Equity

 These schools are democratic and fair, providing every

student with high-quality teachers, resources, learning

• pportunities and supports

 Organizational Structures and Processes

 High-Performing schools establish norms, structures, and

• rganizational arrangements to support and sustain their

trajectory toward excellence

Program Description

“The New Jersey Schools to Watch program seeks to establish a network of schools willing to serve as models and mentors for others. Recognized schools will be featured in state and national publications, and will be visited by educators from around the country looking to see where “things are done right.” Schools will also participate in professional development, and will serve as a model for other schools using the Schools to Watch Criteria to guide school improvement and reform.”

Schools to Watch Application

Application Process

 Schools To Watch Self Study and Online Rating Rubric  WAMS Schools to Watch Committee compromised of

parents, teachers and administrators

 Subcommittee by criteria category

 Analyze results and scores  Provide school data for past 3 years  Write a summary describing WAMS best practices  Schools To Watch Committee Site Visit and interviews

• f parents, students, teachers and principal

Results of Our Self-Study

Some of Our Best Practices

Academic Excellence

Developmental Responsiveness

 Character Education

Curriculum

 Curriculum modification

by teachers to fit the needs

• f all learners

 Teacher availability for

extra help

 Enhanced learning

experiences (Idea Lab, Makers Space)

 Team model approach  Use of technology in the

classroom

 Interdisciplinary

activities (Holocaust Day, etc)

 Viking Academy  Student choice electives

Some of Our Best Practices

Social Equity

Organizational and Structures

 Heterogeneous classes

when possible

 Extensive SE

• pportunities

 Learner-centered

instruction

 WAMS Expo Night  Rules/Expectations are

clearly written

 Use of MAP  Teacher evaluation

encourages growth

 Elaborate Professional

Development

 Ease of transition for

students between grades

Moving Forward…

 Only 200 schools nationwide share this

recognition

 Only 2 schools given this title in New Jersey  Now part of a national network of schools with

best practices

 Open to host schools for observation of our best

practices

 Present at state and national conferences  Part of the Schools to Watch Committee