Welcome to Julius West MS Middle School Reform Phase II: 2008-09

1. Welcome to Julius West MSMiddle School Reform Phase II: 2008-09

2. AGENDABy the end of this presentation, you will have • Heard the rationale for & process of developing middle school initiatives • Viewed goals of middle school reform • Seen recommendations for Phase II & all middle schools in MCPS • Learned of new leadership structures • Compared current JWMS to MSR • Discussed next steps

3. National Issues • No Child Left Behind • How to Prepare for the 21st Century • The Achievement Gap • Changing Demographics • Reading, Writing, Thinking • Inclusion / Giftedness • Middle School Reform

4. What does it take to prepare our middle school students for the 21st Century? Students must be able to … • Work in teams • Solve complex problems • Connect learning across disciplines • Think strategically • Apply knowledge to real-life situations • Use technology

5. Multi-Year Initiative Steering Committee & Project Teams Recommendations to BOE & MS Policy Revisions Phase I: 2007-08 • Benjamin Banneker MS • Roberto Clemente MS • Montgomery Village MS • Sligo MS • Earle B. Wood MS Phase II: 2008-09 • 9 additional schools Phase III: 2009-10

6. Steering Committee &Project Teams reviewed: • Leadership/Professional Development • Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment • Extended Learning Opportunities • Human Resources • Organizational Structure • Technology • Parent and Community Engagement &Communication

7. MCPS Goals for MSR Goal 1: Leadership Goal 2: Curriculum that is engaging, motivating and rigorous Goal 3: Extended learning opportunities Goal 4: Organizational structures Goal 5: Staff development to increase understanding of adolescent learner Goal 6: Partner with parents & others

8. Leadership Structure NEW POSITIONS • Literacy Content Specialist • Fully released • 15 summer days per person • Modified Supplement • Math Content Specialist • Fully released • 20 summer days per person • Supplement

9. Leadership Structure CONTENT SPECIALISTS(no grade level team leader responsibilities) • English • Science • Social Studies • PE/Arts • 1 other area (TBD based on school’s data/need and in collaboration with school and community superintendent) • 1 release period • 20 summer days per person • Supplement

10. Leadership Structure GRADE LEVEL TEAM LEADER Two at each grade level -no department responsibilities – based on school enrollment • 1 release period • 10 days • Modified Supplement RTSE & SDT The positions of resource teacher in special education (RTSE) and staff development teacher (SDT) are still in place based upon previous funding sources. * Note: This leadership structure only reflects those positions outlined in the middle school reform report. Schools have other leadership positions that are not listed here. During the first year of the reform, the positions will be evaluated for implementation; therefore, some modification may be made in the information listed above.

11. Selected Recommended Actions for Phase I & Phase II • Professional Learning Communities Institute • Mathematics and Literacy Content Specialists • New structure for resource teachers and team leaders

12. Phase I & II Recommended Actions • Innovative, interactive model classrooms (21st Century Classrooms – Promethean whiteboards) • Rigorous core and elective courses • Redesigned after school and summer programs • Funds to support team planning and professional development • Study Circles and integrate action steps in school improvement plans • Parent Academy workshops

13. Recommended Actions for All Middle Schools • School Leadership Team Institute • Comprehensive Professional Development Plan: differentiation, rigor, equitable classroom practices, data-driven instructional decisions • Guidelines for Advanced Instruction • Alignment of mathematics and English curricula with The College Board standards (on hold) • Formative and benchmark assessments/new technology tool (Performance Matters) • Additional counselors

14. All Middle Schools • 7-hour instructional data assistants • Guidelines for school schedules and vertical articulation • Recruitment and hiring of middle school staff with knowledge, skills, and content expertise specific to middle school • School and parent resources to improve parent communication and engagement

15. Advantages Add’l opportunities for students Add’l staff development Add’l leadership positions (16 vs. 12) Add’l resources such as time for planning Opportunity to try what is available to support student achievement & to make AYP 1st MYP School to go MSR Challenges Resistance to change Developing new courses Time & energy for training Balancing multiple priorities MYP AYP MSR So… What’s in it for JWMS?

16. Next Steps for Julius West MS • Share info with staff and parent groups • Decide whether to apply for Phase II participation • Submit application by February 8, 2008 • Wait for decision on application by end of February • Develop master schedule & professional development calendars for required staff training • Note: Implementation of middle school initiatives for any schools is contingent on budget approval and results of the implementation evaluation.

17. Additional Information The complete Middle School Reform Report is available at the following website: http://www.montgomerycountyschoolsmd.org/info/msreform