Middle Grades Teachers

Preparing for a Different Kind of Middle Grades Classroom

This article focuses on the importance of the common core standards being implemented in the next couple years aligned with the Universal Design for Learning (UDL).  The author Paul Dunford, comments about how the common core standards are being developed with UDL at the forefront.  He states, "UDL, with origins in the neurosciences, prescribes flexible approaches to learning that are adjusted to meet the individual needs of students."  Dunford also stresses the greatness of the common core standards matching the Association for Middle Level Education (AMLE) concepts and beliefs. 

As a middle level education minor, I spent countless semesters reading and studying the belief statements of the AMLE and how to ensure that we are meeting the needs of our middle level learners.  Their beliefs of focusing on the learner instead of the subject matter, creating structured environments for students to talk about their thinking, and project-based learning are essential to the middle level classroom.  These ideas correspond very well to the new common core standards states are getting ready to implement.  It is going to become necessary for middle school educators to truly embrace the needs of our learners by following the beliefs of the AMLE which will lead to meeting the common core standards.  We need to create learning experiences for students that will prepare them to be successful in society and this can be done by moving away from traditional teaching methods and practices.  Times are changing and so should our teaching.

Dunford, P. (2012, May 8). [Web log message]. Retrieved from http://blogs.edweek.org/edwee /transforming_learning/2012/05/preparing_for_a_different_kind_of_middle_grades_classroom.html