Blue Oak School follows the Responsive Designs for Middle School approach to promoting academic and social/emotional success.
Every Blue Oak Middle School student is a member of a small advisory group in which students and teachers work together to create an inclusive classroom and arrive at a feeling of belonging and safety. Research shows that middle school students are more likely to succeed academically when they feel well both socially and emotionally. The Responsive Designs approach encourages and supports students’ development of social skills as well as helps them to take ownership of their learning and of their environment.
Blue Oak Middle School advisory groups meet for twenty minutes at the start of each school day – allowing students an opportunity to reconnect with one another, discuss any issues or concerns they may have as they start their day, and go to classes feeling focused and supported.