Replicable Practices

• Toby Johnson’s innovative block schedule and “looping” of students who remain on their teams for two years provides for a greater understanding of each student and opportunities for interdisciplinary instruction.

• The Wednesday “Advocacy Program” provides opportunities to cover topics such as sexual harassment, digital literacy, bullying, social media as well as assisting students in building a ten-year college/career plan.

• Supported by the block schedule, students have access to a wide variety of career education and visual and performing arts options as well as Design Thinking and Spanish, Japanese or French.

• With no prerequisites, all students select from a College Prep or Honors Program. Several classes (Computer Technology I, II, Science, Foreign Language) allow students high school credit potentially completing four high school courses during their eighth grade year.

• Students in need of additional academic support can enroll in the ELA Literacy class and/or the Math computer-based intervention program. Students are also given additional assistance after school. Special Education students are supported by in-class assistance in the regular education program as well as a Study Skills class offered during the school day by the Resource Teacher.

• With the addition of Design Thinking and Computer Science classes many of Toby Johnson’s elective offerings lineup with the six career pathways programs at the neighboring high school.

• In order to meet the needs of all students Toby Johnson offers a three-week summer program

• for incoming eighth grade students who struggled in seventh grade; a three day “Jump Start” middle school program for new students who need a more substantial orientation prior to the start of the school year; and an extended day program throughout the academic year.

• Vice Principals and Counselors are linked, by team, to a consistent cohort of students and teachers providing an integrated delivery and response to intervention model. In addition, PBIS, teaming, and restorative justice methods have worked to create a positive school climate.