Improving Middle Schools

Abstract Chapter two in the book Turning Points 2000 expresses the ideas needed to make a middle school suitable to create the ideal 15-year-old student. This student should be a good citizen, work hard and want to learn. This chapter also says that parents need to be involved with their child’s academic life in order for the student to be successful. This chapter also suggests that we use a diverse curriculum and teach in a variety of ways. This is very similar to differentiation. Basically, this chapter gave us a lot of suggestions in order to make our students as successful as possible.

Reflection I think this chapter bothered me a bit because it focused on getting the ideal teenager when I feel this is nearly impossible. However, there were a couple things I really liked about this chapter. I loved that this chapter suggested that parents should be involved with their child’s academic life. I feel that if parents are involved, students will be ten times more committed and excited to do school work. I also loved that this chapter mentioned that the classroom has be a safe environment. As a student now, I know that I have to feel comfortable in order for me to express my opinions. My ability to participate in class is all based on how safe I feel. Therefore, if I feel this way now, I am positive almost every single student in the middle school feels the same way.