Report Finds Pelham Middle School Offers 'Authentic Learning Experiences'

PELHAM, N.Y. -- Administrators from Pelham Middles School presented a report to the Board of Education that looked at a wide range of “authentic learning experiences” that are grounded in the real world, are purposeful, provide the prerequisite foundation for high school and are reflective of the rapid developmental changes occurring in 10-14-year-old students.

A report conducted on the Pelham Middle School showed it is keeping up with the changing curriculum and New York State Standards.
Photo Credit: *File*

Joe Jenkins

11/20/2013 4:00 a.m.

Principal Robert Roelle summed up the report on his school by saying the entire middle school program is student-centered, from instructional strategies to guidance services to its interdisciplinary teams.

The report also showed that as the curriculum has become more demanding, Pelham students have stayed ahead of the curve.

Math supervisor and teacher Jessica Vitale reviewed middle school performance on recent state tests. Two sample questions in English language arts and math from assessments in 2010 and 2013 showed the increased complexity and expectations of recent tests. Despite these changes and despite the State’s raising the score for reaching proficiency and changing the curve, Vitale said Pelham Middle School students did as well as or showed improvement in their performance since 2010.

School Board President Lisa Kiernan commended the report and the Middle School.

“(Pelham) does such a good job in addressing the needs of what is sometimes the ‘forgotten years,’” Kiernan said in a statement.

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