Fwd: In this issue: The Value of Homework

-- Gary Ackerman, Ph.D.

Begin forwarded message:

From: Association for Middle Level Education <amle@amle.org>
Date: September 17, 2013, 3:06:42 PM EDT
To: gary@hackscience.net
Subject: In this issue: The Value of Homework

September 17, 2013 This is your last issue of AMLE Newsletter! To continue to receive this newsletter, simply join AMLE as a no-cost Associate Member or join for just $49.99 to receive loads more benefits, including 9 tablet-friendly and online issues of AMLE Magazine. The Value of Homework Homework or not? This is a dilemma teachers struggle with every year and a topic that is tackled in the September issue of AMLE Magazine.  I think we all agree that homework should not be assigned just to give students something to do.  Homework should have a purpose and align with the goal of the lesson. More. Also on homework from the September issue of AMLE Magazine: Perspectives: Homework – Three middle grades educators share perspectives on the value of homework and whether it should be graded. Join the Twitter event on the Purpose of Homework hosted by AMLE in collaboration with Todd Bloch of #mschat, September 19, 8:00 p.m. Eastern, Event hashtag #mschat What's Hot Here's what people are reading at amle.org: Literacy as the Link: Common Core Standards and Content Area Teaching STEM Across the Middle Grades Curriculum Examining Response to a One-to-One Computer Initiative: Student and Teacher Voices It's Time to Stop Averaging Grades Making Connections with Advisory AMLE Magazine View the September issue of AMLE Magazine. Professional Members can view the full issue and bonus content on the free app for iPad, Android, and Kindle, or login at amle.org/AMLEmagazine. In this issue: School-Family Collaboration, Middle Level Leadership, Project-Based Learning, Dance, Student Leadership, Exploring Science through Fine Arts, Nutrition, Character Analysis and Moral Development Sights and Sounds from the Middle Attention AMLE friends and members!  Tell us your story through a sight or a sound that happens at your school! Be part of AMLE's "Sights and Sounds from the Middle"! Perhaps it's the view from the cafeteria or carpool, the sound of your students talking in advisory or singing in chorus, or the sight of a special event at your school. Every sight and sound in the school house has a story, so share yours! Here's all you've got to do: Record the sound or take the picture. For sounds, record yourself telling the story behind the sound and why it's important to your school and/or middle level education. For sights, write down the story behind the sight and why it's important to your school and/or middle level education. Be sure to include your name and your school's name in the recording ("Hi, this _____ from ______.") or on the written submission. Send the mp3 file (for sounds) or the written document & pic/jpg (for sights) to Dru Tomlin at AMLE (dtomlin@amle.org). Every month, we'll choose a different "Sights and Sounds from the Middle" story to showcase on our website. If your school is a winner, you will receive a $25 voucher for AMLE books for your school's professional library. Questions? Contact Dru Tomlin at DTomlin@amle.org or 614-212-7806. Messages from AMLE Did you know AMLE offers a free level of membership? AMLE believes all middle grades educators can benefit from relevant and practical tools and resources, regardless of their budget. So we offer an Associate Membership with access to some of our best benefits, including this newsletter, at no cost. The latest RMLE Online article, Ohio's Middle Childhood Licensure Study, takes a look at how middle level prepared teachers construct a philosophy arising out of middle level ideals and how they implement their understandings with their students. Do you know a middle grades student who's making a difference through volunteering? The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards is looking for America's top youth volunteers. Deadline: November 5, 2013. September is Attendance Awareness Month! Common sense and research tell us that for students to learn, they have to come to school. Join us in learning more about how to reduce chronic absenteeism in your school district. Are you looking for a way to challenge your students to be creative and innovative using 21st century skills? The IWitness Video Challenge is the perfect way to inspire your students to do just that. From the Field Troutman Middle School teacher connects students, STEM careers (September 14, 2013, Statesville Record & Landmark, NC) Students learn science of Diamondbacks baseball (September 14, 2013, The Yuma Sun, AZ)   Delaware school sees benefits from serving a hot breakfast (September 14, 2013, delawareonline.com, DE) St. Paul public schools welcome 6th graders to middle school (September 3, 2013, KARE.com, MN) Featured Advertiser International Bullying Prevention Association The mission of the International Bullying Prevention Association is to support and enhance quality research based bullying prevention principles and best practices in order to achieve a safe school climate and civic responsibility. The Nature of the Middle Level by Dru Tomlin Recently, I spotted this utility marker in the middle of the sidewalk in my neighborhood. The word "COMMUNICATION" was pressed in the center ages ago, and the marker itself has remained fixed in that spot despite obvious changes in the concrete around it. This vision made me think about how we communicate in our middle schools.  In fact, the image brought forth two diametrically opposed viewpoints about communication in education.  More. Featured Resource  Includes DVD! Enriching Comprehension With Visualization Strategies by Jeff Wilhelm Ideas for using visualization strategies to energize students and enrich comprehension before, during, and after readings. Explains how visualization strategies help teachers address the Common Core Standards Includes illuminating student work samples with extras on the DVD Features research that validates the use of visualization strategies to enrich comprehension Includes an overview of technology developments and formative assessment strategies Featured Media  AMLE2013 keynote speakers and Special Olympics ambassadors Danielle Liebl and Jamie Behymer discuss youth leadership, social inclusion, and bullying. Part 1 of 2. Jack Berckemeyer offers some helpful tips for new teachers Podcast:  Middle Level Journeys episode 2 An AMLE original series about the critical work happening in the middle level and the critical lives that make that work possible. Listen as AMLE talks with Melinda, a third year principal, about the hopes she has for her school, her students, and herself as the school year begins. Continue to follow Melinda's journey as we keep the conversation going throughout the school year. About AMLE The Association for Middle Level Education is committed to helping middle grades educators reach every student, grow professionally, and create great schools. We are the leading international organization advancing the education of all students ages 10 to 15, helping them succeed as learners and make positive contributions to their communities and to the world. More.

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