Strategies: Rincon Middle School

Our school is organized by grades, departments, and grade-level teams. There are weekly administrative meetings. Cross-curriculum level meetings occur 3-4 times yearly. During the summer, grade levels meet to development a curriculum map for the year. Department meets 2-4 times a month to collaborate on planning, assessment, and best practices. Teams consisting of two language arts teachers, one math teacher, one science teacher, one social studies teacher, a vice-principal, a counselor, and a special education teacher (if special education students are on a specific team) meet weekly.

Teaming is where Rincon really shines. All new teachers are screened during the interview process to discern if they have the ability to have special education students in their classroom. The whole essence of our school is teaming. It comes directly from Caught in the Middle. Team leaders lead weekly team meetings to disseminate information to staff. Team leaders meet with our principal once a month to discuss upcoming events and grade-level events and bring team issues to the principal’s attention.

The Leadership Team consists of the department chairs. Departments meet at various times during the month. Once a month the department chairs will meet with the principal to discuss curriculum, testing, master schedule, overall behavior, parent involvement, and goals for the school.