Schools to Watch Selected for 2009
Seventy-nine exemplary middle-grades schools have been named “Schools to Watch” as part of an eighteen state recognition and school improvement program developed by the National Forum to Accelerate Middle-Grades Reform. Having established partnerships with education leaders in these states, the Forum today announced the names of schools in each state that meet its strict criteria. Read the Press Release.
21st Century Skills Bullying Prevention Film Competition
The National Forum to Accelerate Middle-Grades Reform has partnered with Stories of Us (USA) to establish a national competition for student films developed and produced using the Stories of Us method. The method emphasizes the inquiry process as students research the subject, collect data and build realistic timelines to explore how bullying develops, then translate their findings into short film scripts–and film selected scenes from their story.
Designed for middle and high school students, the Stories of Us active learning curriculum combines a range of 21st Century literacy skills and meets English Language Arts and Health Education standards. At the same time, the curriculum promotes social cohesion and helps reduce bullying in schools.
Indiana Selected for 2009 Middle-Grades Reform Program
Pinehurst, NC – In its continuing effort to replicate the programs and practices of outstanding middle grades, the National Forum to Accelerate Middle-Grades Reform has selected Indiana to implement its acclaimed Schools to Watch® program.
Indiana was chosen after a competitive selection process in which the state team demonstrated the capacity, commitment, and vision to partner with the Forum to establish the program. Indiana will now work with the Forum to select "Schools to Watch" at the middle level. Read the rest of the press release.