OMLAOhio Middle Level Association
“Serving the Needs of Young Adolescents”
Michelle Koussa
NE Associate Rep
OMLA
• Founded in 1973 by middle level educators
• Fastest growing professional organization in Ohio
• Affiliated with AMLE (national organization)
• Governed by an executive board/regional reps
• Over 9500 individual members
• Members include teachers, administrators, college
personnel, supervisors, state department officials,
parents, and students
OMLA Regions
-8 regions in the state
-Regional/associate reps
-Regional
conferences/workshops
-Resources and networking
opportunities
-On site professional
development
What is Middle
Level Education?
Middle level schools maintain
their child-centered focus by
developing programs and
activities that nurture the
social, emotional, intellectual,
and physical well-being of the
young adolescent.
The middle level environment
is a positive, caring, and
motivating learning
atmosphere that recognizes
and is attentive to the variety
of learning styles and
enhances a sense of self.
Research
• Dr. William Alexander, a curriculum authority from Cornell University, noted in his call to action to middle level education:
• …Intellectual growth means much more than an increasing competence in the academic content of the curriculum. We must endeavor to stimulate in the child a love for learning, an attitude of inquiry, a passion for truth and beauty, a questioning mind. The learning of right answers is not enough…beyond answers alone, we must help children ask the right questions, discover their answers through creative thinking, reasoning, judging, and understanding.” (1963)
Research
July 7, 2013 –Dayton Daily News Business Section:
Headline - Firms Value Soft Skills – Associated Press
• “The world’s top employers want to see more than high marks and the right degree. They want graduates with so called soft skills. Those who can work well in teams, write and speak with clarity, adapt quickly to change in technology and business conditions and interact with colleagues from different countries and cultures. The soft skills that determine whether recruits can get along with coworkers, articulate ideas, engage in critical thinking and solve problems of the fly.”
• This is the backbone of middle level concept teaching – where the delivery of curriculum openly addresses both the academic and personal development of every young adolescent. This is done through a delivery of curriculum that is focused on the developmental readiness, needs, and interests of each student.
ResearchDuring these transitional years, students
change significantly – physically,
intellectually, morally, psychologically, and
social-emotionally. The academic growth
and personal development experienced
during these important years significantly
impact their futures.
“Educators who understand the
importance of the middle level
concept understand the dynamics of
the ever-changing youth culture.
They value interdisciplinary studies
and integrative learning and make
sound pedagogical, research-based
decisions reflecting the needs,
interests, and special abilities of
students.” From This We Believe
Magic in the
Middle!When supported and
implemented properly and
with fidelity there is magic
in the middle!
http://www.youtube.com/wa
tch?v=HDtvrVPV9to
Mag
ic in
the M
idd
le• “Young adolescents in strong middle school
programs also discover lifelong hobbies and
personal interests that give academics and daily
work meaning, and they learn to collaborate with
others who think and dress differently from them.
They repair playgrounds, build parks, tutor
struggling classmates, and create and maintain
school Web sites. They learn to attack personal
and academic problems inductively and
deductively, appreciating both convergent and
divergent thinking as they solve problems in
multiple ways. A good middle school is an
explosion of intellectual and personal growth that
lays the foundation for an educated citizenry and
a thriving economy.” -Rick Wormeli
How to Get
“The Magic”This We Believe
16 characteristics for
successful schools of
young adolescents
A 3 part joint effort
among curriculum,
community, and
leadership
How to Get “The Magic”
CURRICULUM
Value Young
Adolescents
Active Learning
Challenging Curriculum
Multiple Learning
Approaches
Varied Assessments
CULTURE &
COMMUNITY
School Environment
Adult Advocate
Guidance Services
Health & Wellness
Family Involvement
Community & Business
LEADERSHIP &
ORGANIZATION
Shared Vision
Committed Leaders
Courageous &
Collaborative Leaders
Professional Development
Organizational Structures
Why join OMLA? Institutional – $175.00
• 5 copies of all publications
• All members of the building are OMLA Members
Individual – $30.00
• 1 copy of all publications
• Reduced registration to State Conference
Undergraduate Student -$15.00
• 1 copy of all publications
• Special Student Price to State Conference
Dual Individual OMLA/AMLE Membership – $90.00
• Available through AMLE
The Ohio Middle Level Journal
In the Middle Newsletter
Reduced Conference Rate
Regional Conferences
On-site In-service Programs
Mini-grants/Awards
Timely Position Papers
Liaisons to other Professional
Organizations
Voting Privileges
Check out our website!You can register for conferences, contact reps, read current
research and news, apply for awards, and SO much more!
You’re Invited!
Join us Feb.20-21 in
Columbus for the OMLA
State Conference!
Keynote: Rick Wormeli!
A conference FOR teachers
BY teachers!
Questions???
Thank you for your time!
Please feel free to contact me by email with
any questions or comments:
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