Breaking Ranks in the Middle™

At Rider University we offer a one-credit course entitled: Structure and Culture of Middle Level Education. As our text we use Breaking Ranks in the Middle™: Strategies for Leading Middle Level Reform published by the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP, 2006).

At the annual convention held in San Diego, CA February 26 - March 1, 2009 NASSP released a new publication entitled: Breaking Ranks®: A Field Guide for Leading Change (NASSP, 2009).
"It is designed to provide middle and high school leadership teams with the knowledge, tools, and resources to help move their shcools beyond changes in structure and operations and delve deeply into the mission, values, beliefs, and goals that compose the culture of the school (NASSP, 2009)

Within the syllabus the course description reads: "This course will foster a deep understanding of the how the structure and culture of Middle School education is distinct and how it differentiates between elementary and high school structures and cultures. This course will provide the background to help prepare students to become proficient as Middle School educators. The course is academically rigorous and developmentally responsive to the needs of pre-service teachers being prepared for Middle School education. The course comprises a comprehensive body of knowledge concerning Middle School structure and culture that includes, but is not limited to student development and diversity; curriculum, instruction, assessment, and planning for the classroom; and the ability to develop and implement a positive learning environment." (Curran, 2009)