The middle school years are a maze of academic duties, human growth and self-development, discovering self identity, and increasing social interaction with other people. This maze can be an adventure of achievement and opportunity, or it can be a struggle of difficulty and disappointment. As these experiences are the impetus or foundation for many later achievements in academics, careers, and personal life, it is imperative that educators maximize these formative years by helping middle school students successfully travel through this maze despite its ups and downs, its twists and turns, and its new challenges to master and the old issues to resolve. For instance, educators must support students who have fallen behind, so as to thwart their reduced likelihood of turnaround in high school. Likewise, educators must challenge exceptional students, in order to perpetuate their enthusiasm for learning and prepare them for college studies. By discussing the comprehensive roles and duties of school administrators, counselors, and teachers, The Power of Middle School addresses how to maximize middle school curriculum and extra-curricular activities for the academic, personal, and professional benefits of all students.
Keen Babbage has twenty-eight years of experience as a teacher and administrator in middle school, high school, college, and graduate school. He is the author numerous books including Reform Doesn’t Work (2012) and The Dream and Reality of Teaching (2011).
PrefaceAcknowledgmentsChapter 1 – The Unique Possibilities of Middle SchoolChapter 2 – The Essential and Unique Work of a Middle SchoolChapter 3 – Middle School Teaching and TeachersChapter 4 – The Administration of a Middle SchoolChapter 5 – Middle School CounselorsChapter 6 – College Preparation Programs for Middle School EducatorsChapter 7 – Middle School StudentsChapter 8 – Middle School Curriculum, Academics, and Extra-Curricular ActivitiesChapter 9 – Why It Is So Important To Get Everything Right in Middle SchoolChapter 10 – Middle School StoriesAbout the Author
Evaluating his experiences with middle school students and his perspective on the 'big picture' of the middle school years with his unique bridge/maze analogy, Dr. Babbage's latest is a 'must read' for anyone working with middle school students!
