The Association of Illinois Middle-Level Schools, AIMS, is committed to exemplary programs, practices and policies that support professionals, families and communities who educate students, typically ages 10-14, in grades 5-8 and their transition into 9th grade.  AIMS takes the leadership role in building and promoting excellence and equity in professional preparation and practice for the middle-level.

Adopted:  March 24, 2001

Goals

Goal I:  AIMS will serve as a forum for generating and gathering ideas regarding exemplary programs, practices and policies in middle-level education.

Key Objective:  To be a facilitator for envisioning approaches of meeting the needs of organizations, schools, parents and the community.

Key Objective:  To facilitate the development of instructional strategies for utilizing technology in teaching and learning

Key Objective:  To be proactive in using technology tools for communication.

Key Objective:  To encourage and support research in middle-level practices and curriculum.

Goal II:  AIMS will promote and disseminate information about topics such as contemporary middle-level philosophy, programs and curricula and instructional practices.

Key Objective:  To expand membership benefits beyond the dual membership.

Key Objective:  To maintain the AIMS Summer SPLASH, AIMS Illinois Middle Grades Network, CPRD Middle Grades Self Study and our role as a Turning Points Regional Center.

Key Objective:  To educate administrators and other education leaders about best practice in middle-level education.

Key Objective:  To utilize existing and emerging technology to disseminate information to all stake holders in middle-level education.

Key Objective:  To continue to provide current publications, increase publication and web-based availability including site-based professional development.

Goal III:  AIMS will represent middle-level education in professional and public discussion of policies and educational programs.

Key Objective:  To have continued collaborataion between AIMS, ISBE and the state legislature.

Key Objective:  To create alliances and encourage board involvement with other groups, (target underserved/ underrepresented areas, etc.) such as PTA/PTO, other middle school associations in bordering states, state and professional organizations.

Key Objective:  To be an approved Continuing Professional Development Unit provider for ISBE recertification.

Key Objective:  To advocate middle school practices and create an awareness of AIMS and Network opportunities.

Key Objective:  To advocate with the National Forum to Accelerate Middle Grades Reform for:  developmentally responsive schools that support all students' physical, intellectual, emotional/ethical and social growth; academically excellent schools that challenge all students to use their minds well; and socially equitable schools that keep students' future options open.

Goal IV:  AIMS will encourage colleges and universities to prepare their students to advocate for the needs of middle-level schools, students, staff and parents.

Key Objective:  To provide information to higher education institutions regarding AIMS mission, goals, events and activities.

Key Objective:  To use the university liaison on the AIMS Board.

Key Objective:  To assist middle-level schools, colleges and universities to develop field experiences unique to the middle-level for teacher education students.

Key Objective:  To ensure AIMS participation in the state's Teacher Quality Enhancement Grant.

Key Objective:  To assist and provide information to colleges and universities about how to meet state middle-level preparation standards.

Key Objective:  To assist and provide information to colleges and universities about meeting school leader professional preparation standards with the middle-level learner in mind.

Key Objective:  To involve higher education institutions in the Summer SPLASH.

Key Objective:  To be involved in certification/recertification issues.

Key Objective:  To encourage, support and continue to collaborate with colleges and universities to do research in middle-level education.

Goal V:  AIMS will adapt to the changing initiatives and responsibilities of the organization.

Key Objective:  To develop a mechanism for a systematic review, at an interval to be determined by the Board, covering:  Fiscal soudnness, as well as policy and procedure manual and organizational effectiveness regarding these goals and objectives (including an evaluation of content delivery, an analysis of feedback from events and a Turning Points Regional Center Benchmark Review).

Key Objective:  To seek and maintain funds to continue to implement the goals and activities of the Association.

Key Objective:  To seek opportunities for all stakeholders to partner with the Association.

Key Objective:  To respond to the developing and emerging needs of the ISBE middle-level education policies (i.e.: recertification, licensure, standards, etc.).

Key Objective:  To become involved with new middle school initiatives as appropriate.  (grants, new models, NAS/TP, CSR)