Middle School Resources

Falmouth Middle School
MIDDLE SCHOOL RESOURCES

Opportunities for all middle level teachers to access information to become a more effective and better-informed educator

As we are all well aware, the world of education is a moving target and the world of middle school students is at the center of that target. For example:

  • What we know and understand about the brain and how we learn is becoming more finite
  • Technology in the classroom is no longer an overhead a carousel projector, and/or a calculator
  • Meeting the unique needs of the emerging adolescent is a constant challenge
  • How do we continue to meet the demands of greater expectations and demands placed upon us by federal and state mandates?

In this world of constant change, the question of our own learning comes into focus. Where can we go to seek the knowledge that will improve our skills, obtain the pertinent information that will enhance our practice, and acquire the expertise needed ensure that we are meeting the needs of each and every student. The following organizations provide support for all aspects middle level education:

I.          Maine Association of Middle Level Education (MAMLE)

MAMLE is our State’s professional association of teachers, administrators, and parents who have joined together to support the development of quality programs, which serve the needs of young adolescents. MAMLE exists to promote a better understanding of middle grades education in our state. It is a source of ideas, information, and support.

Conference information: MAMLE’s annual conference will be held on October 18 and 19th at Sugarloaf.

Resources of MAMLE:
www.mamleonline.org is the Maine Association of Middle Level Education website.

Middle Link is the official newsletter of MAMLE and is published three times each academic year. Copies of Middle Link are available in the principal’s office or in the library.

Mainely Middle is the official journal of the Maine Association for Middle Level Education and is published once each academic year. Subscription to Mainely Middle is included in MAMLE membership dues and copies are available in the principal’s office, library or online.
II.        New England League of Middle Schools (NELMS)

The mission of the New England League of Middle Schools is through its vision, leadership, and programs provides a network of services for learning about and implementing developmentally appropriate practices for young adolescents that will serve them in their ever changing world.

NELMS resources:
www.nelms.org is the New England League of Middle Schools website.

The Journal of the New England League of Middle Schools is a refereed journal of original works authored by professional educators. All manuscripts are subject to peer review. The Journal is published on-line three times per year: Fall, Winter and Spring.

Midlines is a quarterly newspaper for professional educators filed with discussions of current topics, and educational opportunities. Midlines focuses on current topics with a teacher-to-teacher emphasis.

III.      National Middle School Association (NMSA)

The National Middle School Association is dedicated to improving the educational experiences of young adolescents by providing vision, knowledge, and resources to all who serve them in order to develop healthy, productive, and ethical citizens. It was the NMSA that produced the position paper “This We Believe and Now We Must Act. FMS is an institutional member of the NMSA.

NMSA resources:
www.nmsa.org is the National Middle Schools Association’s website (All Falmouth Middle staff have access to all articles, links, blogs, etc…through NMSA’s website.  Benefits can be accessed by logging onto the website and following the steps for member access. Falmouth Middle School’s membership ID number is: 16589).

Middle Ground is the NMSA’s practitioners’ magazine. It provides a voice and a resource for those committed to the educational and developmental needs of the young adolescents. The magazine’s readership includes over 32,000 principals, teachers, central office personnel, professors, college students, parents, community leaders, and educational consultants across the globe.

Middle School Journal, a referred journal, is an official a publication and benefit of the NMSA. The journal is published five times per year (September, November, January, and May) offers articles that promote middle level education and contribute to an understanding of the educational and developmental needs of youth between the ages of 10 and 15.

IV.       Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD)

Although not specifically targeted for just middle level educators the ASCD addresses all aspects of effective teaching and learning—such as professional development, educational leadership, and capacity building. ASCD supports the work of teachers and administrators ASCD focuses on professional practice within the context of "Is it good for the children?" rather than what is reflective of a specific educator role.

Resources of ASCD
www.ascd.org is the website for the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development.

Educational Leadership is the professional journal of ASCD. The Journal is published monthly September through May.

Last Updated: 8/14/07