EDC 679 Middle-Level Educ Foundations

This is an all-encompassing course that addresses myriad concerns that emerge for early adolescents as they bridge the gap between elementary school and senior high school. Delineated in the course work are robust definitions about middle level education as a particular and unique aspect of K-12 schooling. In describing who that middle level student is, characteristics are described, critical transformations are explained, and generalizations emerge for the middle level educator. In addition, attention is given to six critical attributes of the traditional middle school concept including: clustering students (houses or families), core teaching teams, blocks of time, advisor/advisee time, interdisciplinary curriculum, and a recent addition to the original elements, peer mediation. In closing, the course highlights the varied yet critical roles of middle level advocates from teachers and parents to administrators and community leaders. (3 credits)