Middle Grades Philosophy and Organization, McEnerny, Spring 2023
Course Number: |
EDU 5515 C40 |
Instructor: |
Dr. Monica McEnerny |
Location: |
Online using Zoom and Canvas |
Dates and Times: |
February 11 - April 8, 2023. This course will take place fully online, with two synchronous sessions on February 11 (9:00 a.m. to noon) and April 8, (9:00 a.m. to noon). |
Credits: |
3 Graduate Credits |
Tuition: |
$1,195 |
Course Description
Course Description
The “middle school” model is different from the “junior high” model and from traditional elementary and high school classroom structures. In this course, participants will explore how middle school organizational structures provide developmentally responsive pedagogy. We will address the physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs of young adolescents and explore how structure affects learning. Student leadership, student-led conferences, teaming, scheduling, interdisciplinary planning, teacher advisory and cooperative groupings, transitions, civic engagement, and personalized learning will be central topics.
Course Objectives/Goals
Course Goals
- Examine middle grades philosophy and best practices surrounding organization and structure.
- Understand effective components of middle level programs and schools to foster equitable educational practices and enhance learning for all students.
- Investigate the benefits of teaming for teachers and students.
- Explore personalization in the form of modules and Personalized Learning Plans.
Endorsement Standards (correspondent to AOE Endorsement #19 - Middle Grades - Transcript Review):
- 3.1: Understand the major concepts, principles, theories, and research underlying the philosophical foundations of developmentally responsive middle grades programs and schools.
- 3.2: Create and support democratic classrooms in which student voice and student-centered pedagogy empower students with agency and choice in their learning.
- 3.3: Employ practices such as interdisciplinary teaming, advisory programs, flexible grouping, flexible block schedules, personalized schedules, and common teacher planning time.
- 3.4: Implement the elements of a middle grades philosophy regardless of grade configuration of the building.
- 3.5: Understand the differential needs of students, including familiarity with and access to technology.
- 5.2.2: Communicate and collaborate with all family members to build positive, collaborative relationships with families from diverse cultures and backgrounds.
- 5.2.5: Consider how to help families understand the systems used to support personalized learning (learning management systems, plp’s, portfolios).
- 5.3: Consider how to partner with the local and global community to bring the community into the classroom and the classroom into the community.
Requirements & Readings
Requirements
- Consistent attendance and active participation in all activities;
- Presentation of at least one seminar on a topic of central importance to improving teaching and learning connected to the organization and structure of middle schools;
- Successful completion of Google Classroom assignments, blog entries and other technology tool assignments designed to exercise reflective skills as professional practice;
- Successful completion of reflective assignments connected to our Professional Learning Community and guest lectures;
- Research and explore personalization as it is being implemented in middle schools.
Readings
Various reading opportunities, videos, and other texts will be provided.
For additional course information
Dr. Monica McEnerny
(802) 468-1358
For additional registration information
Center for Schools Team
(802) 468-1325