NMSA in Action

Announcing Our New MSJ Editor

National Middle School Association is pleased to welcome David C. Virtue as the next editor of Middle School Journal, succeeding Thomas O. Erb who is retiring after 14 years of service. David Virtue, once a middle school social studies teacher, is assistant professor of middle level education and social studies in the Department of Instruction and Teacher Education at the University of South Carolina, Columbia. He earned his master's and doctoral degrees in social science education from the University of Georgia and his bachelor's degree in anthropology and sociology from Lafayette College, Easton, Pennsylvania.

Currently editor of the South Carolina Middle School Journal, David has authored a wealth of articles and book chapters and served as manuscript reviewer for publications such as Research in Middle Level Education Online. Additionally, he has presented at numerous education conferences and events. His academic interests include middle level reform, middle level teacher education and certification, curriculum development, and comparative education.

David brings enthusiasm for NMSA and middle level education and is deeply committed to building on the tradition of publishing excellence that Middle School Journal has enjoyed for more than 40 years. Please join us in wishing David well in this exciting time of growth and change for middle level education.

High-Quality Math and Science Resources

NMSA is hosting two Webinars geared for middle school math and science teachers:

Getting to the Good Stuff: Online Resources for Middle School Math and Science - April 7, 2009

Global Warming and the Polar Regions - April 28, 2009

These Webinars are a service of the Middle School Portal: Math and Science Pathways project—also known as (MSP)2. (MSP)2 is a component of the National Science Digital Library (NSDL), which supports middle school educators and youth by offering contextualized, high-quality resources and promoting interactivity, collaboration, and knowledge-sharing among its users.

(MSP)2 assists middle school math and science teachers by providing rich teaching and learning resources and professional development networks and opportunities. Teachers are encouraged to join the (MSP)2 site at http://msportal-2.ning.com to connect with other middle school math and science teachers. The (MSP)2 site serves as a portal to resources, the National Science Digital Library, Diigo booklists, STEM news stories, and much more.

(MSP)2 is a project of The Ohio State University, National Middle School Association, and Education Development Center and is funded by the National Science Foundation.

Register at www.nmsa.org/webinars

The 21st Century Classroom in Indy

The 21st Century Classroom is returning to NMSA09 in Indianapolis after a wildly popular debut in Denver in 2008. The classroom was a physical structure designed by Bennett, Wagner and Grody Architects PC of Denver and built on the exhibit hall floor by Adolfson and Peterson Construction of Aurora, Colorado. The learning environment was greatly enhanced by the latest in interactive whiteboards, videoconferencing equipment, wireless laptops, and countless other advances in technology and audiovisual equipment. The entire project was the culmination of the work of 52 companies and organizations, along with National Middle School Association. All work and materials were provided pro bono due to the value of the classroom to the education community.

The real power of the classroom, however, was the presence of teachers and students doing authentic teaching and learning facilitated by the latest in technology and classroom design. This is not a dream for tomorrow, but rather, as Karen Cator, director of education for Apple, Inc., said, "The 21st Century Classroom is an example of what can be done in schools today."

This year, the classes featured in the classroom will be selected based on the conference topics of globalization and service learning. NMSA is seeking classes that are actively connected with other schools and using project-based learning with community and global impact. Contact Al Summers: asummers@nmsa.org

Targeted Help for School Improvement

Lima (OH) City Schools and National Middle School Association have been working together on a comprehensive middle level review process that includes the School Improvement Toolkit. Before participating in the online assessment, each school completed a book study of This We Believe: Successful Schools for Young Adolescents. The middle school teachers in the district completed the online assessment in early February. Several NMSA-trained consultants visited each of the three middle schools to observe overall programs, with a concentration on classroom practices. Plans are now underway for additional long-term professional development based on the individual school needs. Participation in the NMSA School Improvement Toolkit exhibits a commitment on the part of staff and administrators to targeted school reform.

At the beginning of the 2009–2010 school year, the school district plans to bring together all of the district's middle level teachers for a full-day workshop focusing on middle level concepts, teaming, classroom management, parent involvement, and new teacher orientation.

For more information on how your school can take part in the School Improvement Toolkit, contact Jack Berckemeyer, jberckemeyer@nmsa.org or call 1-800-528-NMSA.