E U R O P E A N
A
L E A G U E
M E S S A G E
F O R
F R O M
M I D D L E
L E V E L
E L M L E ’ S
Welcome to ELMLE’s Bridge in the Middle.
Each year we are fortunate to feature articles
and resources by today’s preeminent middle
school leaders and practitioners. As we prepare
for our Amsterdam Conference in January 2017,
this issue offers insight into some of the work
and research by our guest speakers and
conference presenters. This year’s theme,
“From Awkward to Awesome”, originated in a discussion at an
ELMLE Steering Committee meeting as we discussed our
collective experiences in witnessing how much middle school
students change over the course of a few short years. Rosalind
Wiseman’s article, How to Intervene Without Making it Worse,
reminds us that sometimes the best thing that we as adults can
do is just be there to listen to our students.
In his article, Why the Song, “Don’t Stay in School” Went
Viral, Andrew Hallam persuades us all to make a radical
change in what we prioritise as important to learn before
students move from the protected bubble of the teenage years
into adulthood. As schools move toward a more measured
approach to gauging student achievement through authentic
assessment, Patricia Reeder explores how using data can
personalise student learning experiences through individual
goal setting as well as help students and teachers connect in
meaningful ways.
Exploring student voice through writing is the subject
of Dominic Carrillo’s article, Authentic Audience, Wonderful
Writing. He examines what subjects motivate students to find
an audience as well as how to facilitate effective collaboration
with peers. Melissa Baker and Megan Carrero detail a number
of ways that we can put the power back in our students’ hands
as well as give them a say in the decisions that drive our
schools. Finally, Jenn Wood reminds us that we teachers need
to take care of ourselves both physically and mentally if we are
to meet the needs of our students.
Amsterdam has 1281 bridges, more than any other city
in the world. Each bridge is unique and each bridge makes
important connections. As ELMLE returns to Amsterdam this
year, and as you read through Bridge in the Middle, consider
all the useful and important connections we make as educators
everyday in schools. Enjoy this edition and we look forward to
welcoming you in Amsterdam.
Derek Harwell
ELMLE President
E D U C A T I O N
P R E S I D E N T
In this edition . . .
How to Intervene Without
Making it Worse
Rosalind Wiseman ............ p. 4
Why the song, “Don’t Stay in
School” went viral
Andrew Hallam .................. p. 7
Culture of Data Use
Patricia Reeder .................. p. 10
Authentic Audience,
Wonderful Writing
Dominic Carillo ................. p. 11
Three Ways to Promote
Students Empowerment and
Ownership at the Middle
Level
Melissa Baker ..................... p. 15
and Megan Carrero
Take Good Care of Yourself -
Mindfulness as Teacher Self-
Care
Jenn Wood .......................... p. 18
3 !