This We Believe Characteristics

2. This We Believe Characteristics • Curriculum that is challenging, integrative, and exploratory. • Assessment and evaluation that promote learning. • Varied teaching and learning approaches. • Flexible organizational structures. • An adult advocate for every student.

3. This We Believe Characteristics • Comprehensive guidance and support services. • A shared vision. • High expectations for all. • Positive school climate. • Educators committed to young adolescents. • Programs and policies that foster health, wellness, and safety. • Family and community partnerships.

4. In developmentally responsive middle level schools, curriculum embraces every planned aspect of a school’s educational program. What does it mean? When the curriculum is challenging, integrative and exploratory, an observer might see, hear, or feel…

5. Continuous authentic, and appropriate assessment and evaluation are essential components of the learning process in the developmentally appropriate middle level school. What does this mean? When assessment and evaluation promote learning, an observer might see, hear, or feel…

6. In developmentally responsive middle level schools, educators engage in varied teaching and learning approaches. What does this mean? When varied teaching and learning approaches are used, an observer might see, hear, or feel…

7. Developmentally appropriate middle level schools are flexible in grouping, scheduling, and staffing. When flexible organizational structures are in place, an observer might see, hear, or feel…

8. Each student has one adult who knows and cares for that individual and who supports that student’s academic and personal development. What does it mean? When there is an adult advocate for every student, an observer might see, hear, or feel…

9. Developmentally responsive middle level schools is guided by a vision. What does this mean? When educators have a shared vision, an observer might, see, hear, or feel…

10. Educators in developmentally responsive middle level schools hold and act upon high expectations for all students, and the students themselves have expectations of success. What does it mean? When educators have high expectations for all, an observer might see, hear, or feel…

11. The climate of a developmentally responsive middle level school is safe, inviting and caring; it promotes a sense of community and encourages learning. What does it mean? When a school is characterized by a positive school climate, an observer might see, hear, or feel…

12. Effective middle level educators make a conscious choice to work with young adolescents. What does it mean? When educators are committed to young adolescents, an observer might see, hear, or feel…

13. Developmentally responsive middle level schools provide abundant opportunities for students to achieve and maintain health minds and bodies and to understand their own growth. What does this mean? When programs and policies that foster health, wellness, and safety are in place, an observer might see, hear, or feel…

14. Developmentally responsive middle level schools provide both teachers and specialized professionals who are readily available to offer the assistance many students need. What does this mean? When comprehensive guidance and support services are in place, an observer might see, hear, or feel…

15. Schools recognize and support families and community members as participants in school programs by encouraging their roles in supporting learning and honoring them as essential volunteers. When family and community partnerships are in operation, an observer might see, hear, or feel…