middle school

in january, the new york times introduced an ongoing feature that profiles the challenges for students and teachers in middle school. they report there is specific concern about lagging test scores for 6th through 8th grade students.

Driven by newly documented slumps in learning, by crime rates and by high dropout rates in high school, educators across New York and the nation are struggling to rethink middle school and how best to teach adolescents at a transitional juncture of self-discovery and hormonal change.

the achievement gap is highlighted by recent gains for elementary and high school students. researchers are concerned that tumultuous middle schools may be ineffective, and many recommend the middle years fold into early education primary schools or secondary education high schools.

the times has published 3 reports from a series of 7 articles. the introduction profiles the problem, the second report introduces alternative solutions, and the third report identifies challenges for teachers.

and they've published a interesting multimedia video, as well.

there is a stark contrast between 6th and 8th grade students. 6th grade students are still largely innocent, and they are generally nervous or slow around authority. at times, they make poor choices, and they challenge authority. however, they are still younger and cuter and limited. in contrast, 8th grade students understand they have new voice and new power. they are school seniors, and they walk taller and speak louder than they will in 9th grade.

i am not sure if building space limits reorganization plans, but i feel like k-8 and 6-12 plans still have clear limitations. 6th grade can effectively fold into elementary school. however, 8th grade students are clearly outside primary education. is it possible to shift middle school years to 7th - 9th grade? a recent proposal even recommends that compulsory liberal arts education end after 10th grade. if students are interested in pursuing secondary education, they can attend smaller preparatory high schools for 11th and 12th grade. if students are not interested in liberal arts education, they can choose to attend a professional or vocational high school.

students change so much during middle school. there's an incredibly stark contrast between 6th and 7th grade students. during the beginning of last year, i asked another teacher what she thought happens to students between the two grades. why do they change so much? she said, "puberty." in the end, it may be that middle school buildings are not the largest challenge. it may be biology.