Middle Grades Philosophy and Organization, McEnerny, Spring 2021

NOTE: Course payment of $975 by check or purchase order, payable to Castleton University, is due at the time of registration. A purchase order number can be entered into the online registration form and the purchase order can be uploaded to the registration form. If paying by check, please mail the check to: Financial & Registration Services, Castleton University, 62 Alumni Drive, Castleton, VT 05735. To help us ensure that your payment is applied to the correct course, PLEASE WRITE “CFS” IN THE CHECK MEMO LINE. Thank you.

Course Description

Efficient and effective middle schools are organized to develop comprehensive, purposeful, and forward-moving spaces for young adolescents.  Highly collaborative structures help ensure schools create safe and inclusive environments.  In turn, well organized middle schools ensure high expectations in a democratic system that supports both adults and students.  Middle grades philosophy is unique to the needs of young adolescents.  Participants in this course will explore self-directed, personalized approaches to learning that promote developmentally responsive pedagogy.  The unique physical, cognitive, social, and emotional needs of students ages 10-14, and in grades 5-9, will be paramount to our focus as we explore middle grades philosophy and structures that include civic engagement, grouping, scheduling, transitioning, guiding, and supporting students in an equitable environment.

Course Objectives/Goals

Course Objectives:

• Exploring leadership in schools
• Creating Advisories
• Establishing Professional Learning Communities
• Planning in an Interdisciplinary, integrated and negotiated way
• Creating a safe and inclusive community - climate and culture
• Understanding the differences between junior high and middle level philosophies
• Teaming through integration and interdisciplinary studies

 Standards:

VT Middle Grades Endorsement Standards for this course include: 

3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 4.3.1, 5.2.2, 5.2.3, 5.2.4, 5.2.5

Required Texts

• Readings will be provided as personalized teaching and learning opportunities.
• Technology and online resources are integral parts of this course. For help accessing technology or resources, please notify the instructor immediately so that we may make accommodations.
• Participants in this course must demonstrate proficiency in the required standards. We will use a Proficiency Tracker to assess acquired knowledge and growth.   Feedback on assignments will take place on our Google Classroom.  All grades and confidential information will be posted to Canvas.

For additional course information

Dr. Monica McEnerny
(802) 468-1358

For additional registration information

Bethany Sprague
(802) 468-1325

Register online now!