Our Goals: Advocacy, Service & Collaboration

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NYSMSA’s beliefs are listed below. Taking into consideration current research and available resources, these beliefs are viewed through the lens of the NYS Essential Elements of Standards-Focused Middle-Level Schools and Programs, and the Regents Policy Statement on Middle Level Education and will assist the Association in supporting the improvement of instruction for middle-level students in New York State.

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Advocacy

NYSMSA believes that we must provide leadership and coordination in advocating for the following in all schools that serve middle-level students:

• a philosophy and mission that reflect the intellectual and developmental needs and characteristics of young adolescents (youth 10-14 years of age);

• an educational program that is comprehensive, challenging, purposeful, integrated, relevant, and standards-based;

• an organization and structure that support both academic excellence and personal development.

• classroom instruction appropriate to the needs and characteristics of young adolescents provided by skilled and knowledgeable teachers;

• strong educational leadership and a building administration that encourage, facilitate, and sustain involvement, participation, and partnerships;

• a network of academic and personal support available for all students; and

• professional learning and staff development for all staff that are ongoing, planned, purposeful, and collaboratively developed.

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Service

NYSMSA believes that we must provide leadership and coordination to:

• be the primary source of information and resources on young adolescents and their schooling in New York State;

• provide a variety of resources (publications, models of best practices, professional development,, etc.) in support of appropriate programs for young adolescents;

• offer support to schools, at all levels of performance, in refining and strengthening their middle-level programs;

• provide member services to public and non-public urban, suburban, and rural schools;

• engage regional directors who provide, assist, and support regional and state activities;

• support the ongoing importance of office of Middle-Level Education Program in SED;

• develop and disseminate position papers that provide guidance on appropriate programmatic, curricular, instructional, and assessment issues; and

• recognize and honor outstanding middle-level schools, programs, individuals, and groups.

 

Collaboration

NYSMSA believes that we must provide leadership and coordination to:

• implement a collaborative relationship with the State Education Department and others who impact the lives of young adolescents;

• work with other associations in sponsoring professional development activities;

• develop and expand cooperative ventures and relationships with corporations and businesses;

• create networks of educators, parents, and others involved in the lives of young adolescents;

• serve on the boards of supportive organizations;

• engage in continuous planning through participation and shared decision-making;

• influence the quality and content of pre-service and in-service education for prospective and practicing middle-level educators; and

• work with constituent groups to identify effective models for programmatic, curricular, instructional, and assessment issues.

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