Strategies: McKinleyville Middle School
Through collaboration, teachers use a variety of strategies to meet the needs of all the students in their classrooms.
- Enichment/Intervention for Reading & Writing
- Differentiated instruction
- Flexible grouping
- Safety nets
Our program has made scheduling a real challenge. RSP (resource specialist program) students are clustered so that they can be supported by RSP teachers and paraprofessionals. As a result of this program and its success, our special education numbers have decreased significantly. However, our district has made a commitment to maintain RSP staffing to ensure that it continues.
An academic support class/study lab is also available to our 6th grade students. Our dedicated and progressive staff has participated in various trainings to create an environment that provides the best educational opportunities for all students. Recent training includes: Steve Zuieback on effective system practice, Dr. Richard Curwin on discipline with diginity, and Nancy Craig on differentiation of instruction. As far as the implementation of the collaborative integrated model, all the teachers involved have been trained in Differentiating Instruction based on the principles of Carol Ann Tomlinson. We also learn an incredible amount from each other. Every teacher shares his or her area of expertise to empower the staff. Whenever funding allows, teachers attend workshops and bring that information back to the staff. We truly use a team approach when it comes to the education of not only the teaching staff but of our students.
Throughout the past 9 years the majority of our staff has been involved in either team teaching with a special education teacher and/or collaboration with lessons and materials.
Last updated: 06/09/2010