1. New York State Middle-Level Education Summit 2 – Implementing SED’s Essential Elements of Standards-Focused Middle Level Schools and Programs Sponsored by the New York State Middle School Association

2. Goal of the Middle Level Summit Initiative Full implementation of NYSED’s Essential Elements of Standards- Focused Middle-Level Schools and Programs in all NYS schools with middle-level grades.

3. Middle Level Liaison Mission Be the voice, eyes, and ears of middle level as statewide representatives of a stakeholder group Get and give information from NYSED – before decisions are made and during implementation and evaluation periods Inform instruction by disseminating shared best practices and state guidelines/expectations/requirements with regional or organizational colleagues As representatives of statewide middle level education, our purpose is to advocate for middle level needs, inform SED about ML issues, and collaborate with SED on matters that impact Middle Level Education. Liaisons disseminate shared best practices, state guidelines, expectations and requirements with colleagues in their region or organization.

4. Middle Level Liaison Vision In order to advance and promote the intellectual development and academic achievement of all students, and the personal and social development of each student, the Middle Level Liaisons are committed to being the eyes, ears and voice of middle level education. As such, the liaisons commit to providing leadership and advocacy to: Provide representative feedback as leaders in middle-level education to SED and other agencies in the areas of policy formation and implementation. Advance the statewide implementation of the Essential Elements of a Standards Focused Middle Level School or Program. Participate in semi-annual meetings held in Albany to exchange information with NYSED and other governmental agencies Elicit information from the field and convey concerns, needs, and wants. Respond to requests from, and act as a resource for the field, regarding exemplary programs and practices. Serve on Liaison work groups related to topics affecting middle level education Receive information from NYSED and disseminate to the field. Represent middle level at any relevant workgroup or committee convened by any governmental organization.

5. Objectives of the Middle Level Summit Initiative 100% of NYS M-L Schools will be aware of the Essential Elements/Regents Policy Statement/Commissioner’s Regulations 100.4 by October 2009 85% of NYS M-L Schools will be working on the implementation of the Essential Elements by July 1, 2011 Collaborative, articulated effort toward achieving these objectives by Middle Level Initiative participating organizations

6. Who? All education, government, and business organizations with an interest in improving middle-level education in New York State What? NYS Middle Level Summit 2

7. When? August 13, 2009 (10:00 – 4:00, followed by a networking reception) August 14, 2009 (9:00 – 3:00) Lunch both days and Friday’s breakfast are included; transportation and housing accommodations are at the participating organization’s expense.

8. Where? Legislative Office Building Hearing Room C and the Well Albany, NY

9. Why? Every young adolescent in NYS deserves the best educational opportunities possible. Every young adolescent in NYS should experience the success they need in middle school to keep them on the road to graduation. Every NYS middle-level school must implement SED’s Essential Elements in order to be in compliance with Commissioner’s Regulations 100.4. Every NYS organization that serves young adolescents should contribute to the synergy of this collegial effort.

10. How Will the Liaisons be involved? The Liaison Group will be one of the relevant stakeholder groups at Summit 2.

11. How Can the Liaisons be involved? Help us get other relevant stakeholders to Summit 2. –Regional, State, National… –Education, Government, Business…

12. For additional information & supporting materials, visit www.nysmsa.org.www.nysmsa.org Contacts:Dennis Tosetto (tosetto@nysmsa.org)tosetto@nysmsa.org Linda Ruest (ruest@nysmsa.org)ruest@nysmsa.org

13. NYS Governor’s Summit on Student Engagement and Dropout Prevention October 10, 2008 Nazareth College - Rochester, NY

14. America’s Promise Alliance 5 Promises: 1.Caring Adults 2.Effective Education 3.Safe Spaces &Constructive Use of Time 4.Healthy Start and Healthy Development 5.Opportunities to Make a Difference Through Helping Others

15. Governor’s Student Engagement & Dropout Prevention Initiative Afterschool Programs/Services Communication/Information Dissemination Credit Recovery Legislative and Regulatory Recommendations Libraries, Schools/Districts and IHEs Mentor Programs Middle-Level Education Sub-Committees/Work Groups

16. Governor’s Student Engagement & Dropout Prevention Initiative PD Across Organizations Research Needs and Recommendations Student Health Safe Schools Service Learning Social Emotional Learning and Development Transitions Sub-Committees/Work Groups