According to the call for presentations: "While the primary focus of
this conference is high content, high expectations, and high
achievement, NMSA also wishes to address issues which impede
educational reform, e.g. violence, gangs, alcohol, other drugs, etc.,
and how educators can deal with these issues."
Presenters should focus on one or more of the following topic areas
(more details are in the call for presentations): (1) Transforming
Urban Classrooms to Improve Student Achievement, (2) Organization to
Promote Continuous Improvement in Urban Middle Schools, (3) Creating a
Districtwide Culture of High Achievement, (4) Professional Development
and Preservice Preparation for Urban Middle Schools, (5) Advocating
Policies to Promote High Performing Schools and Systems, (6) Developing
Effective Partnerships with Families and Communities, (7) Building on
the Strength of Diversity, (8) Creating Positive School Climate.
Presenters will be selected by the NMSA's Urban Issues Committee and
announced in September. The Committee "is committed to choosing
presenters from a broad spectrum of geographical, racial, ethnic, and
professional groups."
For a copy of the call for presentations (necessary to apply) and
additional information, contact: National Middle School Association,
2600 Corporate Exchange Drive, Suite 370, Columbus, OH 43231-1672.
Telephone: 614-895-4730.