| |  Relationships Count
Educators are busy preparing for students who will soon be walking through the door. As you plan for the first day—and every day—keep in mind the importance of relationships. Schools that focus on relationships are schools that focus on student achievement. View what research says about the role of relationships in exemplary schools. |
In,  Connecting with Kids: Just Say Hi, math teacher, Larry Taylor, shares how connections with whole classes and individual students make a difference.
Forging relationships with parents and primary caregivers of your students requires making "deposits in their emotional bank accounts." Read more … | | | |
| | | "Teachers who choose to act and think like the students they teach fail to connect with their students beyond the first few weeks of school."
—Rick Wormeli, Day One & Beyond | | | | | |
| The Success in the Middle Act
The Success in the Middle bill (HR 3406 and S. 2227) has been introduced in the House and Senate. Read more and support this important legislation.
| NMSA to Consider Name Change
Read the Executive Director's Note from the August 2008 issue of Middle Ground.
| Call for editor
NMSA is conducting a search for the editorship of Middle School Journal. Applications are due August 22, 2008.
| Commitment to formative assessment
To use formative assessment successfully in the classroom, teachers need specific knowledge and skills. This article shares the what, why, and how, and the importance of the commitment of teachers and school leaders.
| Improving the lives of kids today
Join the America's Promise 15 in 5 Campaign Network for tools and information needed to help young people succeed.
| Assessment Manifesto (PDF)
Rick Stiggins of ETS Assessment Training Institute has written a white paper detailing the need for balanced assessment systems in America's schools if we are to succeed in our mission to help all students learn.
| Accept the Learn and Serve Challenge
Join your peers from around the country for a concentrated week of special events and community outreach activities designed to raise awareness and build support for service-learning.
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| | Transitioning from Life
as a College Student
to Classroom Teacher
A discussion offering advice to the new teacher and the importance of establishing a support system.
Listen to previous episodes. | | |
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