MISSION STATEMENT

Georgia Association for Middle Level Education is a leader for continuous improvement in the education of middle grade students through promoting exemplary educational practices, and offering support and resources to all Georgia middle grade stakeholders.

BELIEF STATEMENTS

The Georgia Association for Middle Level Education for the continuous improvement and development of education for young adolescents in Georgia by promoting a shared vision of the philosophy and concepts of middle level education set forth in the 18 characteristics of The Successful Middle School: This We Believe (Bishop & Harrison, 2021), and defined by the four domains of the National Forum Schools to Watch© program (National Forum, 2018).

Middle level educators should be knowledgeable about the nature and needs of the early adolescents and committed to this unique group of students.

Middle level educators demonstrate understanding of curriculum, subject matter content, and pedagogical knowledge through relevant, authentic, and responsive teaching and learning.

Schools for young adolescents provide dynamic curriculum that engages learners and promotes higher order thinking skills through innovative and integrative instructional practices and assessment procedures.

Middle level schools provide developmentally responsive, challenging, engaging, and exploratory curricular and co-curricular programs for all students.

All middle level educators have shared responsibilities in advocating for and supporting all students academically and personally.

Successful middle level programs are the result of effective collaboration among home, school, and community.

Higher education partners collaborate with middle level educators to provide insights on research and best practices, professional development opportunities, and continuing education for pre-service teachers and current practitioners.