Goals and Objectives

National Middle School Association
Mission Statement and Goals

Adopted by NMSA's Board of Trustees – June 2004

Mission Statement:

National Middle School Association is dedicated to improving the educational experiences of young adolescents by providing vision, knowledge, and resources to all who serve them in order to develop healthy, productive, and ethical citizens.

Goal 1: To extend NMSA's status as the leading advocate for the education and well-being of young adolescents by

• Developing and/or disseminating research findings and position statements that support the development of high performing middle level schools.
• Consistently communicating with policymakers, opinion leaders, and the general public information regarding effective middle level practices.
• Providing affiliates with resources and guidance in order to build advocacy networks at the local, state/provincial, regional, national, and international levels.
• Influencing and providing guidance to various stakeholders regarding quality middle level teacher and administrative preparation and credentialing.

Goal 2: To develop and provide high quality, relevant programs, resources, and services that will support the diverse needs of members and affiliates as they engage in activities on behalf of middle level education by

• Extending usage of This We Believe and related resources that set forth the vision of the middle school concept.
• Expanding NMSA's publication and professional development resources and offerings and delivery methods to meet the needs of diverse constituencies.
• Continuing NMSA's commitment to supporting and disseminating ongoing research so that NMSA's currency in the field of middle level education will be maintained.
• Expanding NMSA's technology capabilities to more effectively meet the needs of middle level educators around the world.
• Collaborating with affiliates and other organizations on joint programs, products, and services to further our ability to meet the needs of those working with young adolescents.
• Conducting ongoing evaluation of NMSA's publications, services, and other resources to ensure their high quality and relevancy.

Goal 3: To create and utilize resources of such quality that NMSA ensures its own stability, growth, and continued leadership in the field of middle level education by

• Continuing the growth of net assets to provide a sound financial-base for the organization; with a goal that net assets will be equal to 50% of the total annual operating budget.
• Determining the long-term location of NMSA office(s) in order to have the most positive impact on middle level education in the most cost-effective manner.
• Assuring that the infrastructure of the headquarters operation (i.e. professional staff, facilities, equipment, training, and technology) is capable of meeting the requirements of current and future demands.
• Continuing to develop and expand NMSA's membership base, specifically focusing on under-represented groups (e.g. incoming/new teachers and administrators, K-8 educators, urban and rural educators, international educators).