Is Your Middle School Ready for
Standards-Based Reform?



"One of the tenets of standards-based reform policies is that only outcomes matter. While that may be the case from the perspective of politicians and policymakers, evaluators know that examining context indicators and using formative assessments are often more helpful in stimulating changes in teaching and learning."

 - Anne Wheelock


Based on her book Safe To Be Smart, Anne Wheelock has prepared an instrument for assessing a school's capacity to support standards-based reform. The tool uses indicators that reflect:
  • The routines, processes, and learning opportunities that encourage all students to create high quality work.

  • The relationships, structures, and beliefs that foster a motivational climate.

  • The collegial norms that support professional practices oriented to teaching for high quality work.


    The tool is available from MiddleWeb: http://www.middleweb.com/WhlckSrvy.html



    Vol. 4, No. 1, Summer 1999

    In this issue:

    Building A Culture of High Standards in the Middle Grades

    Safe to Be Smart

    Is Your Middle School Ready for Standards-Based Reform?

    A Convocation on TIMSS

    Change is the Order of the Day Here

    Reforms at Boschulte are Part of a National Movement
    Middle Level Education Institute (MLEI)

    Changing the Structure

    Block Scheduling and Team Teaching Resources

    Learners and Leaders: Alliance Schools Institute

    The Hub

    Regional Networks

    Access to Resources

    Announcements

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