Final Post for EML 585, But Maybe Just the Beginning?

Taking EML 585 this semester was what will hopefully turn out to be, the first of many experiences taking courses in middle level education. Throughout this course, I was forced to reflect on my own practice but, also did a lot of learning, thinking, and commentating on education in America today. However, the best part of this course was meeting and connecting with other middle level educators who really are as dedicated to their students and the future of education as I am.

I outlined a few of the major things that really stuck with me throughout the semester and reflected a little bit on each.

1. Integrative Curriculum
I have been "using" integrative curriculum since my first moment in my own classroom but, I have always been frustrated by the number of things that need to be in place within a school to make integrative curriculum work. It was really wonderful to read so much on student-centered curriculum, talk to Mark Springer, re-explore Maranacook Middle, and hear from Ed, Caitlyn, and Lindsey about their forays into integrative curriculum. I got some good ideas but, more importantly, feel like I now have more connections and resources to learn from.

2. Trying New Things: What Works in Education
"Waiting For Superman" and the resulting debate opened my eyes to the whole discussion about what really does work in the classroom. Single gender classrooms, creating motivation within the curriculum, project-based learning, and tech driven curriculum are all things that truly "work" in education. We hear about all of the programs initiated in inner cities that aren't working or, we hear about corporate driven charter schools that follow the strict "sit, watch me, and memorize what we're teaching you" model. It is so important to remember the number of things that are happening in education that are good for kids and have shown to be effective learning strategies.


3. Leadership
This class really got me thinking about middle level best practices and the need for strong leadership at all levels in order for proper implementation. Changing education cannot effectively happen with just a teacher. That teacher needs to get other teachers, administration, parents, community members, and policy makers on board too. Even when there is strong administrative leadership in a school, there is still so much work that needs to be done to make sure things can continue to progress and become better. I think about Maranacook a lot. I love what they're doing but, I worry about what could happen if just a few community members or teachers or somebody started getting upset about the "non-traditional" things they do. I heard that their high school is much more traditional and it is just concerning that there could be a time when their wonderful and highly respected practices get put under conservative lens. My point is that leadership, at all levels, is so important to truly making a change in the way we educate our young adolescents. I hope that I can be an effective leader in this way.