Transcript Why Middle Schools- PowerPoint

South Kitsap Grade Reconfiguration
7th
6th
8th
Why Sixth Graders Should be at Middle Schools
What is Junior High?
Junior High Is Often Considered A “Junior Version” Of High School.
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Junior high students attend the same six periods each day, with
teachers who are assigned specific subject areas.
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At its core, a junior high school is subject-centered, with academics
as its first priority. Students focus on mastery of concepts and skills
in separate subject areas.
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Junior high staff traditionally focus on teaching subject matter
versus teaching students social and organizational skills in addition
to academic information.
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Junior high schools provide a more structured after-school activity
program, as well as athletics organized around an interscholastic
concept.
The Transition From Junior High To High
School Can Be Difficult
As students make the transition into high school, many
experience a decline in grades and attendance.
However, research has shown that a challenging and
supportive middle school experience can result in a
more successful transition into high school.
Middle school is not about grade
configuration, but about effective programs
and practices.
Middle schools emphasize personal
connection and social development while
also promoting academic rigor and
challenge.
Junior High vs. Middle Schools
Junior High
Middle School
Subject-based, with emphasis on
academic development
Student-oriented, with dual emphasis
on academic and relational
development
Provides primarily subject-based
academic and elective classes
Provides more options for exploratory
and elective classes
Traditional six-period day
More flexible scheduling approaches
Teachers are in subject-based
departments
Students and teachers are in teams
based on grade level
Classrooms arranged by subject
area
Classrooms arranged by grade level
Spectrum Of Education
Elementary
Most elementary school teachers teach
several subjects, and they are generally
responsible for teaching children their most
fundamental school lessons. Elementary
schools are focused on teaching students the
skills they need for academic success.
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Characteristics
Primary grades
Same teacher for every subject
Students grouped by grade level
Very few transitions between classes
No or limited electives
Limited extra-curricular offerings
Teachers grouped by grade level
High School
High school provides more choices for
students in terms of courses and co- or extracurricular opportunities. Teachers are focused
on preparing students to be college and career
ready.
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Characteristics
Grades 9-12
Different teacher for each subject
Students grouped by subject
Transition between every class
Wide variety of electives
Numerous co/extra-curricular
offerings
Teachers grouped by subject
Middle Schools Fill The Gap
Middle School
Middle schools are designed to create more of a transition
between elementary school and high school.
Characteristics of a Middle School - Grades 6-8
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Same teacher for more than one subject
Students grouped mostly by grade level
Fewer transitions from class to class
Expanded access to electives
More co- and extra-curricular offerings
More collaboration among teachers
Teachers with content area specialization
Why Middle School?
“Middle schools offer programs and practices such
as interdisciplinary teaming, flexible scheduling,
advisory programs, and a wide variety of elective
courses, considered to be essential for effective
education for young adults.”
-- Epstein, “The Middle Grades: Is grade span the most important issue?” Educational Horizons
Three Critical Advantages
1. Smoother transition between elementary school
and high school
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The transition between schools is a critical time in a
student’s education. Students have a more positive
experience when transitions are managed intentionally.
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Studies show that sixth-graders transition better than
seventh-graders. Three years at the middle school level
allows more time to prepare them for the next transition. It
also provides more stability to the overall program and
more time to build strong, positive relationships.
Three Critical Advantages
2. Better oriented to address the needs of
developmental stages of children between the ages
of 11 and 13.
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Grades 6 through 8 parallel the period of human
growth and development between childhood and
adolescents (ages 11-13).
Middle schools are oriented to the needs of this
developmental stage.
Three Critical Advantages
3. More extra-curricula and elective opportunities.
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Middle schools also offer a greater variety of co- and
extra-curricular clubs and activities, as well as
expanded electives. Middle schools have more
opportunities for gifted students, struggling students,
and all those in-between.