A middle school symposium, “It’s Happening Here! Showcasing Best Practices in Middle School Instruction,” will be held on Thursday, December 6, at the University of Maryland Shady Grove Campus from 7:30 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.

The objective of the symposium is to share best practices that promote rigor and challenge and to celebrate successes in local schools. Teachers and administrators from each of 35 middle schools are expected to participate.

Keynote speaker will be Dr. Nancy Doda, nationally recognized middle school expert and the 2001 winner of the John H. Lounsbury Award granted by the National Middle School Association. Participants will have an opportunity to select from 18 sessions addressing such topics as effective instructional strategies, integrating literacy into content areas, using technology to promote critical thinking, and building learning communities.