Highlights of Exemplary Practices Aligned with the 18 Characteristics of Successful Middle Schools

Characteristic 15 -Leaders are committed to and knowledgeable about young adolescents, equitable practices, and educational research. Education is social justice so it is imperative that we are well prepared and knowledgeable about the students we work with and their families. In order to do so the expectation is that every faculty and staff member learn to better understand the whole middle schooler student in order to serve them effectively. One of our waiver days was spent at the Hawaii AMLE conference where teachers, educational assistants, custodians, security assistants, office staff, and Administrators focused on learning more about middle schoolers.

Characteristic 10 -Health, wellness, and social-emotional competence are supported in curricula, school-wide programs, and related policies. When a situation occurs in which a student is not in a workable state, our team takes the time to understand what is going on with the student emotionally, socially, and academically. Our faculty and staff continue to understand the interconnectedness of the components that impact a students well being. We offer a range of emotional support and social options during the school day and beyond.

Characteristic 3 -Every student’s academic and personal development is guided by an adult advocate. Integration of grade specific interdisciplinary teams was paused so that we could focus on our Advisory class. The theory of action is that in order for an effective and supportive relationship to develop between an Advisor and Advisee they needed dedicated time together. As with all relationships, communication is essential to the effectiveness of the AA relationship. Our AA classes loop. This means that the Advisory gets to guide the same group of Advisees while they are enrolled at Stevenson. In this going school year we will resume grade level teams for the purpose of monitoring academic progress.