Middle-level students are in a period of transition from childhood to adolescence. Educators, therefore, need to be knowledgeable about this transition and about the most effective and current methods of teaching this age group. By working in close partnership with students and their parents, educators endeavor to accept students as individuals and to help them reach their potential—physically, intellectually, emotionally, and socially.

All students can learn and must be prepared to meet the demands and opportunities of the future. This preparation crosses all subject areas and is balanced with opportunities to participate in appropriate co-curricular activities. In and out of the classroom, students are encouraged to accept themselves, to be sensitive to differences between themselves and others, to develop positive attitudes and appropriate standards of behavior, and to acknowledge responsibility for the consequences of their actions.

Students learn best when they work within educational settings and time frames that allow them to make choices, interact with one another, and accomplish assigned tasks. As facilitators of learning, educators strive to maintain safe, stimulating, and supportive classrooms conducive to such learning. Both educators and students, therefore, need timely access to adequate, appropriate, and equitable resources; current information and technology; and the skills to utilize resources, information, and technology effectively. Students are asked to demonstrate their knowledge and skills by completing meaningful tasks, reflecting on and taking pride in the results of their work, and applying new learning to subsequent experiences. Student accomplishments are recognized and celebrated regularly.

Educators, 5-8, consider close communication between the home and the school a critical part of a student’s educational success. Educators and parents endeavor to set high expectations for students and hold students accountable for their work. All stakeholders are encouraged to share learning; to visit classrooms; and to engage in creative, constructive conversation regarding school programs. Such collaboration—coupled with periodic, consistent, system-wide assessment of individual students and curricula—is a vital part of maintaining quality educational opportunities for all.