Conclusions+and+Recommendations

Cedar Grove middle School does not achieve very high on a developmentally responsive standard. Ironically it fails to strive in this way because it seems more focused on another standard, one set by EOG and other standardized tests. Current federal programs like "No Child Left Behind", a re-authorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, signed into law by President Bush on January 8, 2002 have placed enormous pressure on schools, teachers and administrators to train students to do well on these tests. (Education Weekly, 2002). Schools whose students score higher on these standardized assessments ultimately receive higher amounts of funding than do the schools whose student's scores do not meet the standard. One of the better adjectives to describe the basis for this type of budgeting would be, "competitive". This competition would not seem so unfair if the students that took the test were as "standard" as the test itself. Especially, at the middle school level, where we are dealing with a wide variety of personal development, abilities, cultures, interests and values that it would be quite ineffective to hold all students to a specific standard if the true mission was to educate them all. But according to their mission statement, "Cedar Grove Middle School will empower students to persevere as responsible and respectful lifelong learners" (Brunswick County Schools, 2009-2012). The use of the verb //persevere// means to persist on through "difficulty, obstacles, and discouragement" or to "persist in speech, interrogation or argument; insist" (Dictionary.com, 2012). The language and tone is pretty negative and the idea of "insisting", "interrogating", and "arguing" does not sound compatible with the developmentally responsive model which values a wide variety of personal development, abilities, cultures, interests and values. The "empowering of students" and "responsible and respectful lifelong learners" might be more developmentally responsive if would be done through "thriving" or "evolving" or even "developing" anything but "persevering."

Cedar Grove has listed among it's beliefs, the developmentally responsive virtues of "celebrating differences, personal and academic excellence, community and family involvement, emotionally and physically healthy choices, and Utilizing technology, in a global society" (Brunswick County Schools, 2009-2012). However, there is little evidence of this on their website or Plan for Improvement. The technology and exploratory pages are not informative and do not display the creative and diverse examples of student assignments, presentations, projects and activities that would surely be proudly displayed on the web page of a developmentally responsive middle school. It is not fair to assume that the school does not provide or foster these activities, but the lack of evidence on the website speaks to that assumption. What is clear, however, is that according to the SIP, the school's top priority for focused improvement is listed as "Increase reading proficiency as measured by EOG results " (Brunswick County Schools, 2009-2012). The improvement plan does also call for more parent involvement, which would be great, but the call to "buy in" is a measured by Title One standards. The elected leaders of this nation, have put a higher philosophical and financial value on standardized tests scores than they do on a student's individual experience and development. Unfortunately, from the majority of the information gathered by a "virtual tour" through the school's website and SIP, Cedar Grove subscribes, or at least, complies with this same value.

Cedar Grove is not an entity in itself, it is part of a system. The Brunswick County Schools website includes a letter from Superintendent Edward H. Pruden, Ed.D.,to the students in his charge, He encourages students to set meaningful goals and if they believe in those goals enough, the goals will be "anchors in the sometimes turbulent waters of life" (Brunswick County Schools, 2009-2012). There is a picture accompanying this letter of 4 ROTC students with wearing uniforms and baring rifles. They are in line and in step, hoisting and both an American and North Carolina flag. There is an adult in a military uniform, his back to the camera, supervising. Fear flavors Dr. Pruden's emphasis on believing in the right goals and the picture speaks to all that is not individual, accepting of differences, or culturally sensitive. The Superintendent does go on to say, " It is our goal and responsibilty (yes, he misspelled it) to promote the development of trusting staff-student relationships. In doing so it is our true desire that every day you enter a Brunswick County school you know you are safe, welcome, and successful." but it too late, the conservative nature and implied expectations seem all to evident despite the use of bell words used in developmentally responsive and progressive education circles.

Brunswick County Schools [| website]

Southeastern Center [| for mental health, developmental disabilities and substance abuse]

Learning Perspectives Inc . - [|In the field of counseling and mental health services, the Learning Perspectives team has always striven to lead in quality staffing and innovative programs.]

First and Families [| of North Carolina]

Dr. Therese M Hueholt MD [| - practices adolescent psychiatry & pediatric psychiatry and psychiatry in Wilmington, North Carolina.].

Dr. Robert Mclain Adams MD [| practices adolescent psychiatry & pediatric psychiatry and psychiatry in Wilmington, North Carolina. Dr. Adams graduated with an MD 13 years ago.]

Boys and Girls Club [| of Brunswick County]

Dreams [| of Wilmington, NC]

Kids Making It ,  [| Wilmington NC - non-profit organization that focuses on woodworking mentoring programs for at-risk youths. It is a place where our kids can successfully meet the world.]

[|Brunswick County Libraries]

Sources Cited

Brunswick County Schools (2009-2012) http://www.bcswan.net/education/school/school.php?sectiondetailid=30226&

//Education Weekly.// __No Child Left Behind__. 2012. Editorial Projects in Education. http://www.edweek.org/ew/issues/no-child-left-behind/

Dictionary.com, LLC. Copyright © 2012. http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/persevere