Developmental Responsiveness High-performing schools with middle grades are sensitive to the unique developmental challenges of early adolescence. General Criteria Detailed Evidence of Criteria Self-Rating Average 1. The staff creates a personalized environment that supports each student's intellectual, ethical, social, and 4 3 2 1 physical development. Adults and students are grouped into smaller communities (e.g., teams, houses, 4 3 2 1 academies) for enhanced teaching and learning. These small learning communities are characterized by stable, close, and mutually ____ 4 3 2 1 respectful relationships. Every student has a mentor, advisor, advocate, or other adult he/she trusts and stays in 4 3 2 1 relationship with throughout the middle school experience. Average 2. The school provides access to comprehensive services to foster healthy physical, social, emotional, and 4 3 2 1 intellectual development. Teachers are trained to recognize and handle student problems. 4 3 2 1 ____ Students with difficulties, and their families, can get help. 4 3 2 1 The school houses a wide range of support (e.g., nurses, counselors, resource teachers) 4 3 2 1 to help students and families. School staff members offer parent education activities involving families. 4 3 2 1 Average 3. All teachers foster curiosity, creativity and the development of social skills in a structured and supportive 4 3 2 1 environment. Teachers enhance standards-based learning by using a wide variety of instructional 4 3 2 1 strategies. ____ Teachers incorporate well-developed procedures and routines for effective classroom 4 3 2 1 management. Teachers facilitate learning by deliberately teaching study and organizational skills. 4 3 2 1 Teachers integrate creative activities in the lessons (e.g., current technologies, visual and 4 3 2 1 performing arts, etc.). 4. The curriculum is both socially significant and relevant to the personal and career interests of young Average 4 3 2 1 adolescents. Students talk about daily issues in their own lives, their community and their world. 4 3 2 1
Developmental Responsiveness High-performing schools with middle grades are sensitive to the unique developmental challenges of early adolescence. General Criteria Detailed Evidence of Criteria Self-Rating 1. The staff creates a personalized environment that supports each student's intellectual, ethical, social, and physical development. 4 3 2 1 Average ____ Adults and students are grouped into smaller communities (e.g., teams, houses, academies) for enhanced teaching and learning. 4 3 2 1 These small learning communities are characterized by stable, close, and mutually respectful relationships. 4 3 2 1 Every student has a mentor, advisor, advocate, or other adult he/she trusts and stays in relationship with throughout the middle school experience. 4 3 2 1 2. The school provides access to comprehensive services to foster healthy physical, social, emotional, and intellectual development. 4 3 2 1 Average ____ Teachers are trained to recognize and handle student problems. 4 3 2 1 Students with difficulties, and their families, can get help. 4 3 2 1 The school houses a wide range of support (e.g., nurses, counselors, resource teachers) to help students and families. 4 3 2 1 School staff members offer parent education activities involving families. 4 3 2 1 3. All teachers foster curiosity, creativity and the development of social skills in a structured and supportive environment. 4 3 2 1 Average ____ Teachers enhance standards-based learning by using a wide variety of instructional strategies. 4 3 2 1 Teachers incorporate well-developed procedures and routines for effective classroom management. 4 3 2 1 Teachers facilitate learning by deliberately teaching study and organizational skills. 4 3 2 1 Teachers integrate creative activities in the lessons (e.g., current technologies, visual and performing arts, etc.). 4 3 2 1 4. The curriculum is both socially significant and relevant to the personal and career interests of young adolescents. 4 3 2 1 Average Students talk about daily issues in their own lives, their community and their world. 4 3 2 1
STW%20Rubric%20Final%20(July,%202013).docx