A Review Of Three Verse Novels To Promote Engagement And Critical Thinking,
2025
University of South Carolina Aiken
A Review Of Three Verse Novels To Promote Engagement And Critical Thinking, Isaiah Gillian, Michelle Rasheed
South Carolina Association for Middle Level Education Journal
Verse literature is a valuable genre to incorporate into today’s classroom. Verse literature provides various benefits for students and teachers alike, while sparking readers’ interests and aligning with educational standards. The verse style requires writing to be concise, with relatively short lines, condensed thoughts, and depth of emotions. Verse literature delves into underrepresented topics and perspectives, beneficial for student growth and new learning experiences. This article reviews three verse novels—All the Fighting Parts (2023), Good Different (2023), and I Am Kavi (2023)— highlighting their potential to engage diverse student populations. Additionally, the article provides practical recommendations for integrating verse into …
Attendance And Absenteeism: Can We Fix It?,
2025
University of South Carolina Aiken
Attendance And Absenteeism: Can We Fix It?, Stephanie J. Bell
South Carolina Association for Middle Level Education Journal
This research project shows how consistent communication with parents of special education students regarding daily and weekly attendance can make a difference in decreasing absenteeism and increasing attendance in the virtual resource classroom. This study supports promoting access to special education services with parents as partners in the virtual environment. This approach can be adapted to fit various classroom environments.
Don’T Flip Out, Flip Your Class!,
2025
University of South Carolina
Don’T Flip Out, Flip Your Class!, Jessica Scott
South Carolina Association for Middle Level Education Journal
There are many benefits to using a flipped learning method in a middle school classroom. Students are able to take control of their learning in their own time. This alleviates any time constraints on note taking as well as giving them the opportunity to review information. This is especially true in Social Studies classrooms where educators are teaching complex topics using multiple cross curricular standards. Teachers may be hesitant to try this method due to the workload that is required before the lesson begins and uncertainty of whether it is a good instructional model for their particular class. Flipping the …
Villain Or Victor: Advocating For Middle Level Students In The Face Of Systemic Challenges,
2025
Claflin University
Villain Or Victor: Advocating For Middle Level Students In The Face Of Systemic Challenges, Dywanna Smith, Kenesha Johnson, Jada Williams, Myles-Anthony Johnson
South Carolina Association for Middle Level Education Journal
Middle level students often face significant systemic challenges that can hinder their academic and personal development, positioning them in narratives where they are perceived as “villains” instead of “victors.” This paper explores the role of educators as advocates for these students, drawing parallels between the concept of superhero villains— figures who, like many students, are misunderstood or marginalized by society. Preservice educators will examine historical examples of heroes, who were initially viewed as villains for challenging the status quo but later celebrated for their transformative impact. Grounded in the principles of This We Believe (2020) by the Association for Middle …
The Gendering Of Literature In Middle School,
2025
University of South Carolina
The Gendering Of Literature In Middle School, Patrick D. Adkins
South Carolina Association for Middle Level Education Journal
The classification and promotion of books based on gender significantly affect middle education, where reading behaviors and external influences notably shape identity development. This paper examines the impact of gendered literature in middle schools on students’ academic engagement, social development, and self-concept. The article illustrates the repercussions of maintaining gender binaries in educational literature using examples from classroom practices and library systems, while advocating for a more inclusive methodology in book selection and curriculum development.
Beyond The Four Walls: Understanding The Impact Of Inter-Industrial Learning Experiences,
2025
University of South Carolina - Upstate
Beyond The Four Walls: Understanding The Impact Of Inter-Industrial Learning Experiences, Walter Lee, Olivia Bobo, Shaekwon Heard, Nicole Patton, Lauren Thrasher
South Carolina Association for Middle Level Education Journal
The traditional learning environment for pre-service teachers most commonly reflects the banking concept, coined by Paulo Freire. The instructor teaches in the classroom and students are expected to learn, applying concepts during lesson planning and certification exams as proof of their learning (Freire, 1996). If authentic learning is occurring and skills are transferable, students should be able to identify educational concepts in other industries as validation that these practices are relevant. In this article, we propose a fresh, engaging approach to teaching pre-service teachers: inter-industrial learning experiences. Learn about our experience with Clayton Construction Company and how middle level pre-service …
Helping Future Teachers Do History Through Digitized Primary Sources,
2025
University of South Carolina
Helping Future Teachers Do History Through Digitized Primary Sources, Jeremy Rinder
South Carolina Association for Middle Level Education Journal
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of using the National Archives DocsTeach program on preservice teachers enrolled in a social studies methods course. Candidates completed a document-based question and a perception survey about history before completing one activity within the DocsTeach program for four classes. Anecdotal observations focusing on collaboration and engagement were collected during the unit. At the conclusion, participants completed another document-based question, a perception survey about history, and an exit interview. It was determined that the DocsTeach program had a positive impact on the participants’ historical thinking and perceptions of history.
Fostering Motivation For Reading Primary Documents In History,
2025
University of South Carolina - Aiken
Fostering Motivation For Reading Primary Documents In History, Derek Rhodes
South Carolina Association for Middle Level Education Journal
One issue that many middle-level social studies teachers face is motivating their students to read primary documents. Primary documents are great tools that allow teachers to show their students differing perspectives on a topic that they are teaching and can come in the form of speeches, newspapers, letters, books, academic works, and legal documents. Social studies teachers must figure out how to effectively inspire both extrinsic and intrinsic motivation to read in their students to most effectively use primary sources in the classroom. In order to foster motivation to read primary documents, social studies teachers can use strategies like Concept …
Soldiers All The Same,
2025
The Citadel
Soldiers All The Same, Jennifer L. Altieri
South Carolina Association for Middle Level Education Journal
No abstract provided.
An Exploration Of The Disproportionate Representation Of Youth With Learning Disabilities In The Juvenile Justice System,
2025
University of South Carolina Aiken
An Exploration Of The Disproportionate Representation Of Youth With Learning Disabilities In The Juvenile Justice System, Kayla S. Cox
South Carolina Association for Middle Level Education Journal
This article examines the factors and potential remedial approaches to the longstanding overrepresentation of adolescents with learning disabilities in the juvenile justice system. As schools look to harden themselves and reduce their appeal as possible targets of violence, this group of students becomes more vulnerable to policies and decisions that can increase the risk of engagement with the juvenile justice system and prolonged criminality versus normal developmental adjustment into adulthood. This requires considering the unique challenges that this group faces, the impacts of the main hypotheses explicating the phenomenon, and considering ways that classroom educators can help to meaningfully divert …
Empowering The Future: Cultivating Resilience In Adolescents,
2025
University of South Carolina Aiken
Empowering The Future: Cultivating Resilience In Adolescents, Jocelynn Mccarthy
South Carolina Association for Middle Level Education Journal
The concept of resilience has been explored in relation to various factors, including individual traits such as self-regulation, self-efficacy, and intrinsic motivation. External factors can also affect a student ability to be resilient such as support from family, peers, and school environments. A resilient student is one who can effectively cope with and adapt to challenges and setbacks during their academic journey. These students often share characteristics such as persistence, adaptability, critical thinking skills, and self- efficacy. These traits can collectively help students navigate educational difficulties and emerge stronger from their experiences.
Realizing The Potential Of Middle School Students With Autism,
2025
University of South Carolina Aiken
Realizing The Potential Of Middle School Students With Autism, Zachary Evans
South Carolina Association for Middle Level Education Journal
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a relatively common yet widely misunderstood condition among middle school students. The cognitive differences of students with autism can lead to academic and socioemotional difficulties. By using specific, evidence-based interventions, however, teachers can ameliorate these challenges and bring out the unique potential of this population.
2025 Front Matter,
2025
University of South Carolina
2025 Front Matter
South Carolina Association for Middle Level Education Journal
No abstract provided.
2025 Scamle Full Volume,
2025
University of South Carolina
2025 Scamle Full Volume
South Carolina Association for Middle Level Education Journal
No abstract provided.
Teaching And Normalizing Digital Accessibility For Students In The Chemical Sciences,
2025
University of Kent at Canterbury - U.K.
Teaching And Normalizing Digital Accessibility For Students In The Chemical Sciences, Stefano C G Biagini
Journal of Science Education for Students with Disabilities
Digital accessibility is the inclusive practice of ensuring that all people can equally access digital information. However, this good practice has yet to be fully embraced by practitioners and educators in the chemical sciences. This article will describe and explain the key requirements of digital accessibility and how they apply to educators in the chemical sciences, with the emphasis on supporting visually impaired students; it will illustrate a case study of training students in adopting digital accessibility good practices in order to enable a culture change of greater inclusivity for the next generation; and finally illustrate low cost laboratory adaptations …
Innovative Instruction To Cultivate Young Adolescents’ Creativity In A Virtual Environment,
2025
Augusta University
Innovative Instruction To Cultivate Young Adolescents’ Creativity In A Virtual Environment, Stacie K. Pettit, Christi L. Pace, Dawn Jeffers, Emily Harrison
Current Issues in Middle Level Education
The unique needs of high-ability young adolescents should be met just as those students with other diverse needs even when instruction becomes virtual. This paper highlights the work of two teachers who overcame the challenges of remote and hybrid learning to provide quality lessons on creativity, logic, and problem solving. They are accomplishing this for 4th and 5th grade students in their gifted program through project-based learning and other lessons situated around creativity. The strategies presented that encourage students to exercise creativity would be beneficial for all students.
Teacher Retention And The Future Of Learning: Alarming Concerns About Preparing The Next Generation Of Citizens,
2025
Winona State University
Teacher Retention And The Future Of Learning: Alarming Concerns About Preparing The Next Generation Of Citizens, Dejuanna M. Parker, Barbara D. Holmes
Journal of Research Initiatives
Research is robust in detailing the various reasons teachers leave the profession. There is scant literature on why teachers stay and what should be done to improve teacher retention. Teacher retention is a primary concern nationally and internationally. The inability to retain teachers has resulted in a teacher shortage and significantly affects student learning. Sorenson and Ladd (2020) This study yielded three emergent themes related to integral factors of teacher retention: changing attitudes on administrative support, workplace collegiality, and persistence of passion and purpose. Recommendations offered include encouraging administrators to leverage the passion and commitment of the educators to create …
An Investigation Of Ninth Grade Students’ Perceptions Of Equitable Grading Practices,
2025
University of Arkansas, Fayetteville
An Investigation Of Ninth Grade Students’ Perceptions Of Equitable Grading Practices, Sarah Ruth Morris, Sarah C. Mckenzie, Jonathan Wai, Robert Anthony Maranto
Journal of Research Initiatives
This study investigated students’ perceptions of grading equity practices, focusing on preferences and the influence of student characteristics on support for grading equity. Through surveys and open-ended questions involving 256 ninth-grade students, the research highlighted a general preference for fair and supportive grading systems that consider individual circumstances and offer retake opportunities. Multivariate OLS regression analysis reveals that while Pre-AP students show resistance, students experiencing high-stress levels favor equitable grading practices. The findings suggest the need for educational reforms prioritizing transparency and fairness, including student voices in policy development, and emphasizing grading systems that support holistic student development.
Near-Peer Student-Run Virtual Stem Summer Camp: Lessons Learned,
2025
United States Military Academy
Near-Peer Student-Run Virtual Stem Summer Camp: Lessons Learned, Andrew Lee, Jeremy Reynolds, Margaret Reynolds, Freda Li, Lubjana Beshaj
Journal of Humanistic Mathematics
The United States Military Academy is uniquely positioned to contribute to our nation’s Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) outreach initiatives. As one of the country’s most highly regarded undergraduate engineering schools, the institution receives a steady influx of Cadet near-peer mentors who volunteer to lead STEM modules. When the COVID-19 pandemic shut down in-person STEM workshops for the better part of 2020-2021, the Center for Leadership and Diversity in STEM adeptly transitioned to a virtual platform. Informed by research on STEM education and delivery, the Center successfully executed its signature summer camp event in a virtual format for two …
Math Is _______: A Study On Prospective Teachers' Perceptions Of Math And Teaching Math,
2025
Elon University
Math Is _______: A Study On Prospective Teachers' Perceptions Of Math And Teaching Math, Kayla Mead, Katherine Baker
Journal of Humanistic Mathematics
In this project, we examined one cohort of twenty-eight college students and their perceptions of mathematics at the beginning and end of a semester-long mathematics content course for K-8 prospective teachers (PTs). More specifically, our study explored PTs’ perceptions of what mathematics is and what mathematics teaching is, and how and why those perceptions might change over the semester-long mathematics course. PTs’ perceptions were captured through open-ended surveys and follow-up interviews. Our intention was to better understand the reasonings for changes in perceptions during the course to support teacher educators in their work of preparing prospective teachers.
