A. A team is a group of teachers representing the core subjects, (math, social studies, science, English and reading) who share a group of students, the same schedule, and the responsibility for planning, teaching, and evaluating curriculum in more than one academic area. This team together creates a demanding curriculum by organizing and integrating subject matter and learning experiences in ways appropriate for early adolescents.

A. The team of teachers connects subject matter by presenting course work so students can learn how different subjects relate to each other as they do in the real world. Many times the team will focus on a theme.

A: Currently, the junior high has three academic levels in English and math; general, enriched, and honors. Students are identified by their standardized test scores, teacher input and parent input and then placed into a general class, an enriched class or an honors class. This concept is referred to as "tracking." The scheduling constraints of accommodating these six tracks lock students into a high track, high-average track, or average track for other subject areas as well.

A: Different levels of performance and ability will be addressed in the individual classroom by that subject area teacher. Students will be sub-grouped within the group (individual classroom), according to their performance and ability levels.

For example, you may see a group of two ranges of performance and ability levels in the same classroom, or you may see as many as five sub-groupings. This format allows the flexibility of moving students within a team during the year based upon the material being studied, as opposed to students being assigned to one level for the year as offered by the current structure. This concept is known as heterogeneous grouping.

A: Currently, each subject area follows one course of study of which all levels of classes are taught. This will remain the same, however, the team of teachers will employ wide ranges of classroom instruction activities that address all students' learning styles and interests, and challenge students to think and to identify and solve problems.

Lessons are planned so that one lesson is taught to the entire class while addressing varying performance and ability levels by regrouping students within that class. Classroom content and teaching methods are the vehicles by which the teacher meets the needs of all the students. This concept is known as differentiated instruction.

A. Yes, the district offers many in-district training programs for all of our teachers during the school year and during the summer months. Many teachers have also attended the Ohio Middle School Association Conference and the National Middle School Association Conference. This District has attained many grants that provide funding for staff development. We encourage our staff to participate in continuing education programs and to share what they learn with their peers.