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M.L. Professional Studies Committee
Minutes from meeting of 1/8/2004
Connecticut Association of SchoolsMiddle Level
Professional Studies Committee
Minutes
January 8, 2004
In attendance were Fred Baruzzi, Charles Hines, Sandra Inga, Ann Richardson, David Russell, Ralph White and Earle Bidwell
1. Exemplary Practices “Teaming”
a. Update: Earle Bidwell shared copies of the letters and press releases that went to applicants. He also reported that he had very positive feedback from one of the successful schools
b. Next Steps: An article about the certification has been written for the January issue of the CAS Bulletin and has been placed on the website with links to the successful schools. Response to the articles will determine whether we need to do a separate publicity piece to attract more applicants.
c. Brainstorm Ideas for New Exemplary Practice: The committee considered the following. Instruction, Curriculum, Assessment, Transition Programs, School Climate and Teacher Induction. It was noted that all ideas seemed to fall into four categories. They are organization or structure; staffing; curriculum, instruction and assessment; and school climate. Organization or structure has already been addressed through teaming. The committee decided to choose school climate as the next area for certification.
d. “Elements of an Exemplary Middle Level School,” developed by the Wisconsin Association for Middle Level Education will be the starting point for a rubric. This will be made available for the next meeting.
2. IMPACT Focus Topic “Curriculum and Instruction” belief statements were brainstormed for a position paper. Again, the Wisconsin elements document will be used as a starting point. In addition, the following were offered. Curriculum and instruction must:
• Be age appropriate to middle school
• Be relevant to students’ lives – reflecting real world experiences
• Involve active student learning
• Be interdisciplinary
• Utilize a variety of appropriate instructional strategies
• Be primarily heterogeneous in nature and incorporate flexible grouping and regrouping
• Be connected to state and national frameworks
• Use a variety of assessment tools
• Include personal and social concerns of young adolescents
• Contain a youth service component
• Include an exploratory component
• Be flexible in structure and in the use of time
• Integrate social and emotional learning.
3. Assistant Executive Director’s Report: Mr. Bidwell reported on the quality program that has been assembled for the winter conference on January 26th at the Radisson featuring Alan November, Susan Frost and breakout sessions by distinguished Connecticut educators. He also reported that he has been nominated for a trustee position at the National Middle School Association and has agreed to run.
**The next meeting of the committee is scheduled for February 5, 2004***
