Journal of Education and Human Development

School Leaders: Is it Time to Reflect on Appropriate Middle-Level Education?
Lavetta B. Henderson

Abstract
Increased school accountability has increased the interest in various reform efforts and school practices. The middle school is coming under attack by some questioning the model and its future in American education. Some school districts have abandoned the middle school model and reconfigured into K-8 elementary schools, and some school districts are considering the option of reorganizing into a K-8 configuration reducing the number of middle schools in the district. In defense of the criticisms that emphasize the failure of American middle schools, there are studies that have findings of high student achievement and reduced behavior issues when students are educated in middle schools that have implemented the middle school concept, philosophy, and practices as a complete model, over time, and with fidelity. The question is asked of school leaders if it is now time to seriously reflect and address the current status of the middle school model and its future?

Full Text: PDF     DOI: 10.15640/jehd.v4n2_1a10