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A shared vision in middle level education represents a collective commitment to common values, goals, and practices that guide decision-making and unite all stakeholders. It's not just a statement on the wall - it's a living document that drives daily actions and long-term planning. Through my graduate research, I've found that effective middle schools consistently demonstrate strong alignment between their shared vision and actual practices.

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Recent studies highlight that schools with well-implemented shared visions show:

42% higher student engagement rates

Improved teacher retention (up to 35% higher)

Enhanced parent and community involvement

Better alignment of resources with educational goals

Co-created visions increased satisfaction by 20%

The Journal of Middle Level Education (2018-2023)

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The Key to creating a positive Shared Vision

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The Key to creating a positive Shared Vision

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The effectiveness of any middle school improvement strategy depends on strong, shared leadership

Middle schools should ensure that classroom organization and staffing patterns support the needs of young adolescents.

Middle schools should develop challenging and relevant curricula with a strong emphasis on core subjects.

The AMLE recommends that schools adopt flexible scheduling strategies such as block scheduling to support the academic and developmental needs of young adolescents.

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Common Elements of Successful Shared Visions

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Common Elements of Successful Shared Visions

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Student-centered focus

Clear academic & social-emotional goals

Collaborative & Stakeholder input at all levels

Regular review and adaptation - Check-ins

Alignment to practices and goals

These elements appear consistently in high-performing middle schools.

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Example of Shared Vision in the Classroom: 

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Example of Shared Vision in the Classroom: 

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Vision Mapping Activity, Interactive Class Activity:

1. Split into small groups (3-4 people each)

2. Each group gets a different role (teachers, parents, students, or administrators)

3. Groups come up with a vision statement from their role’s perspective

4. Walk around to see and compare everyone’s vision

5. As a class, put together a final, unified vision

This activity shows how important and tricky it is to create a vision that everyone can agree on.

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middle schoolers in classroom small group work discussion

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Builds culture and unity

Aligns policies with student needs

Empowers educators - Research shows that a shared vision fosters a positive culture and empowers teachers. For example, Learning Forward (2021) found schools with a shared vision align policies better with students’ needs, driving achievement.

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Shared Vision questions to ponder:

1. How does your school's vision align with the research backed elements?

2. What barriers might exist in implementing a shared vision?

3. How can schools ensure all stakeholder voices are heard?

4. What evidence would show that a vision is truly 'shared'?

Please continue the conversation on the discussion board. I look forward to your insights!

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For further exploration of shared vision in middle level education:

Association for Middle Level Education (AMLE). (2021). The successful middle school: This we believe. AMLE.

Learning Forward. (2021). Build skills to bring a shared vision to life. https://learningforward.org

KnowledgeWorks. (2022). A shared vision for competency-based education. https://knowledgeworks.org

EL Education. (2022). Fostering a cohesive school vision. https://eleducation.org

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AMLE believes that the true middle school is one that has been planned and organized to address the developmental and cultural needs of students of ages 10 to 14, generally including grades 5-8. We articulate this middle school model through the publication of our landmark position paper, The Successful Middle School: This We Believe, now in its fifth edition.

A team book study of The Successful Middle School provides a participatory and reflective deep dive into the foundational text. Build a cohesive vision for your school improvement journey and align professional development with the needs of your school.

Prefer to conduct your own study? AMLE Members enjoy exclusive access to the self-directed study guide.

The Successful Middle School Course Series explores each of these essential attributes and characteristics through 21 self-paced, virtual modules with exercises and reflections throughout.

Driven by research-based exemplars, AMLE's holistic school assessment helps gauge your implementation of middle grades best practices. Led by an AMLE coach, schools receive a comprehensive report that includes analysis, recommendations, and actionable next steps.

A recognition and continuous improvement program that is open to any school, anywhere in the world, that educates students aged 10-15. Schools are be supported with AMLE resources and celebrated for their commitment to middle grades best practices.

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The Successful Middle School: This We Believe - AMLE

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AMLE believes that the true middle school is one that has been planned and organized to address the developmental and cultural needs of students of ages 10 to 14, generally including grades 5-8. We articulate this middle school model through the publication of our landmark position paper, The Successful Middle School: This We Believe , now in its fifth edition.