Spotlight on the middle school concept

Intro
What is an effective middle school? NMSA Executive Director Sue Swaim provided a clear, concise outline in the May 11 issue of Education Week when she responded to questions related to K–8 vs. middle school configurations. Rather than focus on grade configurations, she said, we should be focusing on what goes on in the classroom. A middle school

• Engages every student in a relevant and challenging curriculum in an environment that fosters respectful and supportive relationships among students, faculty, families, and the community.
• Provides teachers and administrators who are specifically prepared and committed to teaching this age level.
• Offers ongoing professional development for all faculty and staff.
• Makes decisions based on data that guides student learning and instructional practice.
• Builds strong, two-way partnerships between schools and families.

What does this look like "in action"?
Unfortunately, many schools that call themselves middle schools are that in name only. They implement advisory and block scheduling, throw in a couple of exploratory classes, and believe they are true middle schools.

Schools that embrace the middle school concept are learning communities that develop the skills, talents, and academic growth of every student. They are driven by a common purpose: to provide a rigorous and challenging curriculum for all, safe and supportive learning environments, highly qualified educators, advocacy, and a strong home-school connection and community involvement.

This issue's Spotlight article describes the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County (NC) Schools' commitment to making the middle school concept a reality in the district. In doing so, say authors Mark L'Esperance, Vernon Farrington, and Angelia Fryer, the district "seems to have resurrected the middle school movement." They present an overview of the first two years of the district's efforts to develop middle schools that make a difference in the lives of students and their families.