Fundamentals for Student Success in the Middle Grades
This presentation tool is a free resource appropriate for advocacy work with school boards, parent/family groups, school staff, and community members. The presentation is a 17-minute overview of the characteristics of young adolescents, the national recommendations for their education, and current research on middle level education. Fundamentals for Student Success in the Middle Grades can be viewed in its entirety, or in segments.
View the entire presentation with audio narration (17 minutes)
View separate sections of the presentation with audio narration:
- Characteristics of young adolescents (6 minutes)
Summarizes the physical, cognitive, and social/emotional developmental characteristics of young adolescents. - National recommendations (3 minutes)
Lists the recommendations of National Middle School Association's This We Believe: Successful Schools for Young Adolescents and Turning Points 2000 for effective middle level education. - Research (6 minutes)
Outlines the basic research regarding the impact of middle level practices on student achievement.
Downloadable Versions
Some common questions:
Q: When I try to open the PowerPoint it says that it is not a compatible version?
A: If you are using a Mac, check to make sure you are accessing the "PowerPoint Presentation for Mac" version. Otherwise, use the "Microsoft PowerPoint for PC" version.
Q: When I try an open the PowerPoint it says that this file is the property of National Middle School Association. How can I open it?
A: When you open the PowerPoint, you may get a dialogue box that asks for a password to access the presentation. Inside that dialog box is a check box for "Read Only." Selecting "Read Only" will open the program for your viewing.
Q: How can I get the PowerPoint with the audio?
A: The PowerPoint versions of the Fundamentals presentation do not have audio. However, the PowerPoint does include notes, which are the complete text of the narration/audio.
Q: Can I get the presentation on a CD?
A: Fundamentals for Student Success in the Middle Grades is only available online. You can copy the PowerPoint to a disk for use away from an internet connection.