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MIDDLE SCHOOL HANDBOOK
The Role Model Program
The Role Model Program’s "Dare to Dream" middle school curriculum was developed by teachers, school administrators and youth development experts to increase the exposure to positive adult role models and build the life skills necessary for underserved youth.
The middle school curriculum is designed to present these concepts and values. The middle school curriculum is delivered in a minimum of eight, one-hour sessions to students in the classroom.
This volunteer handbook has been developed to aide volunteers in preparing to deliver this curriculum.
The Middle School Child
Before entering the classroom, reflect back to your middle school days and the experiences you had. Remember how awkward that time was? How self conscious you felt. Reflect on your expectations; be realistic about the needs of your students.
Middle school-aged children are going through a stage of independence and self-discovery. They are in the process of shaping who they are. Most 7th and 8th grade students need clear, concise guidelines and directions when asked to do something. In examining their need for a role model, they look not to peers, but to adults they can look up to, admire, respect and count on.
Many of the underserved students we serve do not have positive adult role models who have attended college or have rewarding careers. They see themselves limited by their surroundings and family history. With your encouragement, students can begin to see that they are not a product of their past, but a product of the choices they make each day.
