MiddleView

For many years, March has been proclaimed by NASSP as Middle Level Education Month and this month’s theme is Shining the Spotlight on Middle Level Education.  How do we do this?  It all boils down to our efforts at advocacy.  The dictionary defines advocacy as “active verbal support for a cause or position” and I think the key word is active.  Middle level leaders can no longer sit on the sidelines and let others take up the cause – we all have to get involved.  In talking with legislators on the Hill, I consistently hear that they are not hearing from middle level people in the field – and while everyone is not in a position to visit with their representative, everyone can write a letter or make a phone call. To encourage your representative to support the Success in the Middle act, go to NASSP’s Principal’s Legislative Action Center and use the tools and guidance found there to send off your letter of support.

How else can we shine the spotlight on middle level education, and not only in March but all year long?  Here are a few ideas to consider:

·    Get the word out that your middle school is doing good things for students.  Develop a few message points you want to share about your school.  Put them on business cards for the staff, on your fax cover sheet, on your website, in parent newsletters, etc. 

·    Develop a brochure “50 Great Things about Our Middle School” and distribute it at registration, open house, conferences, etc.  Give copies to your district office and the local realtors to pass on to those considering moving into your attendance area.

·    Host a breakfast or lunch for your local realtors – give them a tour of the schools and share programs that you are proud of.  They are often the ones asked questions about the schools in the area.

·    Keep your superintendent and board informed of effective middle level practices.  Pass on articles or websites you think would interest them.  Invite district office personnel to attend a middle level conference with you.  Offer to share results of a successful program at a school board meeting – and bring along students to help with the report!  Send board members copies of your school newsletter.

·    Invite a student to join you at a civic club meeting. Help civic organizations feature students at their meetings.  Encourage student performance groups to reach out to community organizations for meeting programs.  

·    Build a relationship with your local media. Find out who is in charge of the education news and ask them how they want you to keep them informed of happenings at your school. 

·    Stay in contact with your state representatives.  Invite them to visit your school to speak with classes during the off session.

·    Spread your message in the form of op-ed articles in your newspapers or in letters or emails written to state representatives.  Make your written communications personal. Facts and figures can be impressive but a story about how those facts impact the students in your school will make a more lasting impression.

This is not a time to be shy or modest!  If we want the general public to understand what quality middle level education is all about, then we need to direct the spotlight on the good things that are happening in countless middle level schools across the country.