Landrum Middle School recently received a national Making Middle Grades Work (MMGW) award for depth of implementation, based on the progress of local school leaders and teachers in improving school practices and raising student achievement.
The school is one of only eight middle grades schools in the nation receiving the MMGW depth of implementation award in 2012. This designation is given to schools that deeply implement the MMGW design, have at least 50 percent of eighth-graders completing a rigorous curriculum in one or more subject areas and meet the Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) criteria of the federal No Child Left Behind Act.
More than 450 middle grades schools in 21 states participate in the MMGW school improvement initiative to create a culture of high expectations and prepare middle grades students for challenging high school courses and productive careers.
The award was presented by Dave Spence, president of the Southern Regional Education Board, at the 26th annual HSTW staff development conference in New Orleans on Wednesday, July 11, attended by more than 5,000 educators from across the nation.
Spence praised the school for its achievement, noting the crucial role of these middle grades schools in preparing more students for success in high school, further studies, work and citizenship.
“This school has shown what can be accomplished to raise student achievement by deeply implementing the Making Middle Grades Work model for strengthening curriculum and instruction,” said SREB Senior Vice President Gene Bottoms. “Research shows that the ninth grade is a critical transition point for students.”
Bottoms said students who struggle in the ninth grade are much more likely to drop out of high school.
“For that reason,” he said, “schools in the SREB Making Middle Grades Work initiative devote time and effort in preparing students to be successful in high school.”
“There is no middle school in the state more deserving of this award than Landrum Middle School,” said District One Schools Superintendent Dr. Ron Garner. “The leadership of principal Crystal McSwain and the dedication of the faculty and staff at Landrum Middle to the students of District One are unsurpassed…. We are extremely proud of Landrum Middle School’s staff and students.”
– article submitted
by Paula Brooks