Perspective

Sue Swaim

Making a New Beginning

October 2005 marks the 9th annual celebration of the Month of the Young Adolescent. National Middle School Association is proud to be the founder of this event and values our collaborative work with more than 44 national education, health, and youth-oriented organizations and our 57 affiliates.

Working together we focus on the importance of a quality middle level education for every 10- through 14-year-old; the importance of being advocates for what research and best practices tell us are critical to implement if we are to achieve successful schools for young adolescents; and the importance of families, schools, and communities working together to celebrate the successes and address the challenges faced by young adolescents in the 21st century.

To be sure, middle level educators, parents, and policymakers don't have to go very far to hear critics question the importance of nor the effectiveness of implementing the middle level concept. Negative, "sound-bite" comments or "catchy" report titles are unfortunate, to say the least, and inappropriate at a time when we should be making middle level education a national priority.

The time for debates and reports regarding what middle level education should or should not be is over. A considerable body of long-term research tells us that schools that practice the tenets of the middle level concept over time show marked improvement in the academic achievement of students as well as growth in helping students become responsible citizens and life-long learners.

Reports and articles that claim the implementation of the middle level concept results in de-emphasizing academics are absolutely wrong. In fact, the opposite is true. This We Believe: Successful Schools for Young Adolescents and Turning Points 2000, major middle level concept documents, stress academics, rigor, and high expectations for students and their teachers.

Clearly we have serious issues to address if the middle level concept is to be fully implemented—something that has not yet occurred in many schools across our country. Our advocacy work on behalf of young adolescents and the full implementation of the middle level concept in all schools serving 10- through 14-year-olds, no matter the grade configuration, must become a high priority for each of us. As middle level educators we live it everyday.

We know better than anyone else the impact of educational practices and policies on our students and their futures. That's why each of your voices actively advocating for doing what is best for your students is vital if we are to achieve the full implementation of quality middle level schools.

So, join with your colleagues to make October 2005 a new beginning in our advocacy work. Let Month of the Young Adolescent become your launching point for a renewed commitment to advocating for a quality middle level education that focuses on academic excellence for every student in a developmentally appropriate way.

Small steps turn into major progress. Having informal conversations at a sporting event, building new partnerships through PTA/PTO or other community groups, attending board meetings to share success stories or speak out for student needs, or e-mailing a policymaker to share your insights and expertise regarding the education of young adolescents are needed now more than ever before.

The motto for Month of the Young Adolescent is "Together we can make a difference." Please join with us as together we advocate for what's best for young adolescents.

Sue Swaim is executive director of National Middle School Association.