Middle School
Beliefs Regarding Differentiated Instruction (D.I.) (Middle School)
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Various levels of complexity
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Challenges students at appropriate developmental level
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Data driven decisions
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Flexible groupings based on student need and ability
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Content, process & product can be differentiated
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Qualitatively different – not quantitatively (student do different activities – NOT less work)
Differentiated Instruction In Madison County Middle Schools looks like..
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Variety of activities to address learning styles and levels of the curriculum
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Instruction and materials are appropriate to current levels of understanding.
Student Engagement
Small group instruction that targets specific needs
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Teachers use data to drive instruction
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Small groups based on data (readiness), interest or learning styles
Planning and preparation
Evidence of use of data
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Reteaching
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Small group instruction
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One on one assistance
Relevant Homework
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Monitor what is being sent home
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Monitor lesson plan for relevant homework that reinforces what is being taught in class
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Varying homework assignments
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Check for understanding
Middle schools have adopted reading programs that also incorporate assessments to determine the levels of the learner and provide appropriate instruction. Voyagers and Read 180 are essential parts of these balanced reading programs that guide students to be better readers. All subjects are focused on building better thinkers and problem-solvers who can apply knowledge in new situations.
Promotion / Retention
Promotion and retention decisions in the Madison County School District are based upon student achievement of objectives as outlined in the instructional management plans of the Madison County School District. In all subjects and at all grade levels, mastery will be defined as the student demonstrating ability to perform the objective at the 70% level.
Students in the 6th, 7th, and 8th grades are required to take reading, mathematics, science, English, and social studies. State law now requires a student to take additional physical based electives such as band, choral music and P.E.
To be eligible for promotion to the next grade level, a student must master essential skills as identified in the curriculum structure of the State of Mississippi and the Madison County School District, and must show proficiency in the designated essential skills for all subjects taken.
If a student receives a final grade of F in any course, this constitutes failure of that course and could result in the student being retained.
To be eligible for summer school, student must have a final grade average of at least 55 in the course that he/she is attempting to retake.
Only students residing in the Madison County School District will be allowed to attend summer school in the district.
Exemption from retention
The district may exempt a student from retention provided:
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there is an abundance of evidence that the student's test scores do not reflect his usual performance; or
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complying with all facets of this policy would have an adverse impact on the student's educational program; or
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other unusual or compelling circumstances exist.
If a student is exempted from retention, possible educational repercussions are discussed with parents/guardians, specifically including a detailed explanation of the graduation requirement of passing the subject area tests. Parental consent is given.
Universal Screeners:
Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) will be used as (1) universal screeners to identify students who may have fallen significantly behind and are in need of intervention, (2) indicators of academic growth for students, and (3) placement in accelerated classes at the middle school level. They will be administered three times each year – Fall, Winter, and Spring. Reports may be sent home at the discretion of the building level principal. The intent of the assessments is to identify current levels of the learners in the classrooms and to guide the teacher in the instruction of each individual student.
