Middle Grades Redesign is a set of practices, initiatives, and approaches that guide concurrent pilots to be brought to scale across each middle school and K-8 school (for 6-8th grade students) by the end of Spring 2026.
It consists of five priority areas: Racial Equity and Social Justice, Inclusive and Differentiated Teaching and Learning, Professional Excellence and Support, Embracing Change, and Integrated and Adolescent Supports.
Culturally Specific Community Partnership and Engagement
Restorative Justice Practices
Leadership and Mentorship
Student Advocacy/ Positive Cultural Identity Development
Engaging Standards Aligned Instruction + Responsive Classrooms
Student Voice and Choice - including Project Based Learning & Digital Portfolio
Equitable Grading and Assessment
PLCs and Structured Planning and Collaboration
Professional Learning and Support
Interdisciplinary Teaming and 8th Grade Success
Effective Transitions (5th-6th & 8th-9th)
Commitment to Continuous Improvement
Innovative Scheduling
Middle Grades Programs- Co and Extra Curriculars (8th Grade Capstone/ Field Trip)
College and Career Readiness
Social Emotional and Mental Health
Our initiatives support the adolescent learner and aim to transform the school experience for all 6th-8th grade students. During the 2023-2024 school year, we will select 2-3 initiatives to prioritize and support deeply. These initiatives include:
Restorative Justice Practices
Student Advocacy/Positive Cultural Identity Development
Student Voice and Choice (including PBL & Digital Portfolio)
Equitable Grading and Assessment
Interdisciplinary Teaming and 8th Grade Success
Innovative Scheduling
Effective Transitions (5th-6th & 8th-9th)
Advisory
Middle Grades Programs (Co and Extra Curriculars)
College and Career Readiness
In the following school years, we will select additional initiatives to prioritize and support deeply, based on the Association for Middle Level Education assessment (survey) results.