This small classroom model permits individualized and small-group attention. It also allows flexibility, so teachers in the room can move between small-group instruction, whole-group instruction, and individual questions to best serve the students.

Advisory Structure

Students are assigned an advisor in the Middle Division to help address any concerns or struggles they might be having. During a one-hour advisory period, students will check in with their advisor, set goals, and share what is happening in their world both personally and academically.

Middle Division Focus

Students continue to work on intervention, but also on refining skills such as writing; working toward independence with skills and strategies, and learning who they are as learners. We begin to introduce student skills and life skills, such as self-monitoring, self-awareness, setting goals, and introduce the discussion of post-high school options. 

Panther Block

Students receive support in grade-level academic content, as well as daily intervention through what we call “Panther Block.” “Panther Block'' focuses on the prioritized area of intervention, including Orton-Gillingham, math, writing, and comprehension. “Panther Block” is built around the needs of the students each year, allowing for more flexibility in offerings. This approach enables non-intuitive learners to acquire the academic subskills necessary for success, both with higher-level critical thinking and problem-solving skills. 

Lockers!

Middle Division is when students receive their very own locker. This is exciting for most Middle Division students to have a space where they can hold their belongings. Many choose to decorate the inside in fun, creative ways! At Marburn, we intentionally work with students on rights and responsibilities, for this reason we do not utilize locks at Marburn.