Orange Middle School

I think that Orange is taking steps in the right direction. Breaking up the middle school into small learning communities allows teachers to focus on a set group of students and track their progress. Allowing these teams to meet enables them to focus on strategies that might help the students. I also agree with the school extending math to an eighty-minute block, but the school should ensure that the teachers are prepared to use that time effectively. As stated in the reading, middle school students are restless and need to have physical activity. The teachers should have lessons that allow the students to get up and move throughout the period to keep the students focused. The teacher throwing around the basketball is a good example of activities that will allow the students to remain engaged. The administration should also look to infuse some bullying and social skill workshops for the students that might decrease the social problems in the school.