Bright Futures Reflection

Bright futures is a framework designed for middle school students to help develop academic, personal, and social potential through academic instruction. Bright futures bases their researched-based framework off of twelve practices that educators can integrate within their own classrooms.

The Core Principles Include:

• Students have access to curriculum that is relevant, challenging, integrative, and exploratory and is organized and executed to maximize accessibility for all students.

• Teachers use research-based instructional practices in their classrooms that are effective in increasing the learning and achievement of young adolescents.

• Teachers in all content areas use teaching and learning practices anchored in 21st century literacies. 

• Students have access to one-to-one computing technology integrated throughout the curriculum, allowing them to acquire the critical thinking skills related to information, media, and technology.

• All middle level students experience learning opportunities that emphasize creativity and innovation.

• School leaders, using a collaborative and democratic leadership model, focus on establishing an environment that supports the learning needs of young adolescents.

• Faculty, administration, and students collaboratively build a safe and caring climate that nurtures the individual while creating a sense of community where everyone is valued.

• Students benefit from organizational structures within the middle grades that maximize the sense of community, support meaningful relationships, and optimize curriculum delivery.

• Students have access to a co-curricular program that encourages all students to participate, develop skills, be a member of a team or activity, and simply have fun.

• Teachers' professional development is an ongoing process that is embedded into the daily life of the school.

• Parents are actively involved in the life of the school and their child’s education.

• Teachers, administrators, and staff who are responsible for the education of young adolescents are knowledgeable about their developmental needs and appreciate them for their uniqueness.

Middle level educators in the state of Maine are requested to follow these principles within their classroom everyday. I think these are useful practices that should also be included to the high school level of education as well. Middle school presents an interesting time to every child's life and educational experience. With these principles, educators can ease the constant flux and transition that is taking place everyday to their own students. Being aware of these issues and inventing proactive solutions to them will not only increase the educational experience of middle school students in Maine, but help them bring these values with them to high school, and hopefully towards their post-secondary education. These principles, if enacted properly among educators, educational staff, and students will in turn add value to out society.