Introduction to Middle Level Education

by Sara Powell

Overview

Introduction to Middle Level Education is written in an engaging, first-person voice by an experienced middle level teacher. It examines the full range of topics relevant to this group of students, from student development and diversity to the structures of middle level education, curriculum instruction, ongoing assessment, advisory, service learning, the learning environment, and more. Photos, vignettes, and professional practice opportunities follow the stories of nine focus students and nine teachers, inviting readers into the world of today's middle school classrooms.

The 4th Edition is a compelling look at the current issues and topics affecting young adolescents, their teachers, and their schools. It includes a new chapter on promoting citizenship and civility in the middle grades, and enhanced discussions of 21st century knowledge and skill requirements. Every chapter now includes letters from outstanding teachers that illustrate how they connect with their students and foster supportive learning environments.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780134986807
Publisher:	Pearson Education
Publication date:	01/17/2019
Edition description:	4th ed.
Pages:	320
Product dimensions:	8.50(w) x 10.88(h) x 0.45(d)

About the Author

About our author

Sara Davis Powell is a teacher, from the middle school classroom to teacher preparation as a professor, and chair of education at Belmont Abbey College in North Carolina. She is a young adolescent advocate who writes about middle level teacher preparation, emphasizing a balance of developmentally responsive and academically rigorous practice. Actively involved in local classrooms and the middle school community through the facilitation of professional development, supervision of clinical interns and research and writing about middle level issues, she is also a frequent speaker at regional and national conferences, where her enthusiasm for middle level education is contagious. Powell's most recent book is Your Introduction to Education: Explorations in Teaching, 4th Edition (Pearson, 2019). Married with 4 sons, 4 daughters-in-law and 3 grandchildren, she enjoys watching lakeside sunsets at home with her husband, Rus, and spending time with her sons and their families.

Table of Contents

1. Middle Level Education Philosophy and History
2. Development of Middle Level Learners
3. Diversity among Middle Level Learners
4. Societal Context of Middle Level Education
5. Structures of Middle Level Education
6. Middle Level Curriculum
7. Middle Level Instruction
8. Assessment of Middle Level Learners
9. Planning for Teaching and Learning
10. Maintaining a Positive, Productive Learning Environment
11. Citizenship and Civility in the Middle Grades
12. Relationships and Realities of Middle Level Education

Editorial Reviews

In comparison to the other middle level texts, this is the only text I will use for my middle level courses... It is comprehensive... The writing style is a major strength of this book and is absolutely appropriate for my students. Actually, this is something my students comment on each semester. They appreciate the readability…. [The eText] videos are fantastic!…. [The “Dear Future Teacher”] feature is a great addition to the text. I would definitely use it in my teaching. "

– Cheryl Ellerbrock, University of South Florida



“I appreciate that this text is more developmentally appropriate in its content... student feedback is that it is an engaging and “easy” read... the style is able to engage the students to promote their understanding and inform discussions... excellent broad application of [the] concept of diversity... the section on bullying and technology is a strength – and recognizes the developmental age of these students... love the emphasis on building community and relationships! ... excellent overview of Instructional Strategies with examples... [“Teachers Speak” is] absolutely [a] great addition to each chapter... first-person accounts are relatable to pre-service teachers and continue the feeling of “welcome to the profession”...”
– Debra Wretman, University of Iowa



“Very clear writing style, interesting and engaging. Very comprehensive and detailed book... Book is organized well with proposed learning outcomes, introductory messages from the author to the future middle level teacher... Top of the line!”

– John Moore, Western Kentucky University

From the Publisher