Importance of Middle School

"The National Middle School Association believes that: Successful schools for young adolescents are characterized by a culture that includes: 1) educators who value working with this age group and are prepared to do so, 2) courageous, collaborative leadership, 3) a shared vision that guides decisions, 4) an inviting, supportive, and safe environment, 5) high expectations for every member of the learning community, 6) students and teachers engaged in active learning, 7) an adult advocate for every student, and 8) school-initiated family and community partnerships.

Therefore, successful school for young adolescents provide:
1)Curriculum that is relevant, challenging, integrative, and exploratory, 2) multiple learning and teaching approaches that repsond to their diversity, 3) assessment and evaluation programs that promote quality learning, 4) organizational strucutres that support meaningful relationships and learning, 5) school-wide efforts and policies that foster health, wellness, and safety, and 6) multifaceted guidance and support services. (National Middle School Association, 2003, p7)" (Brown p. 152)

With these guildelines, a middle school teacher is trying to create an intellectual person, a person to create meaningful work, a good citizen, a caring and ethical individual, and a healthy person. Good self esteem and healthy habits are created at this time, and it is up to a teacher to help provide the knowledge for this creation.