Adolescent Development, Data and Engagement in Grades 4-9

Middle grades are a pivotal time for students—academically, socially, and emotionally. This interactive workshop invites educators to explore how adolescent development intersects with student engagement and how data-informed practices can ignite curiosity and connection in grades 4–9.

Join Jennifer Ciok, Manager of Coaching and Improvement – UChicago To&Through Middle Grades Network and author of The Meaningful Middle School Classroom: How to Spark Engagement That Fosters Deep Learning, as we’ll begin with a reflective activity, inviting participants to revisit their own middle school experiences to uncover what sparked their curiosity and motivation during those formative years.

Key Components:

• Research & Brain Development
  Dive into current research on adolescent brain development and engagement. Learn how developmental milestones, identity formation, and cognitive changes impact how students learn and connect.
• Introducing SPARK
  Explore the SPARK framework for sustaining meaningful engagement:
  • Study – What formal and informal data are you collecting about your students’ interests, behaviors, and needs?
  • Plan – What fresh, student-centered ideas can you bring into your classroom?
  • Analyze – What patterns emerge as you implement new strategies?
  • Reflect – What worked? What didn’t? How can you tell?
  • Kindle – How can you continue nurturing student engagement—and your own passion as an educator?
• Participants will explore real classroom examples of each SPARK element and have dedicated time to reflect on and apply the framework to their own practice.
• Closing Reflection
  Wrap up with a guided reflection to synthesize learning and outline next steps for implementation.

Takeaways:
Educators will leave with:

• A deeper understanding of adolescent development and engagement.
• A data-informed approach to student motivation.
• A personalized plan for SPARKing engagement in their own classrooms.