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: January 20, 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 Institute, the Fall Conference, Exploratory, Leadership Retreat Conference, 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 stakeholders in middle-level education.
• Key Objective: To continue to provide current publications, increase publication and video availability including press releases/op ed pieces.
• Key Objective: To maintain, improve and expand current training/professional development opportunities including site-based professional development and our Reach-N-Teach Cadre.

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

• Key Objective: To have continued collaboration between AIMS, ISBE and the state legislature.
• Key Objective: To create alliances and encourage board involvement with other groups, (target underserved/under-represented 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 Institute and Fall Conference.
• 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 soundness, 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).

 
Adopted: March 24, 2001