The 1990s might be known as the "decade of the middle school." That's because a flood of child development research during those years on schools' issues reports how adolescents learn and how middle schools need to change to meet their needs.

Finding Success for the Middle School Classroom

One report, "Turning Points 2000: Educating Adolescents in the 21st Century" describes seven principles found in successful middle schools:

  1. Creation of small, caring communities for learning
  2. A rigorous core academic program
  3. Success for all students through effective instruction and school structures
  4. Teachers and principals who have the power to make decisions
  5. Teachers who know the special learning needs of young adolescents
  6. Active development of character, creativity and health
  7. Connections between schools and their communities

Effective Middle School Learning

The report also lists key practices of effective middle schools:

  1. Improve teaching, learning and assessment for all students
  2. Help teachers and principals learn and work better together
  3. Study and apply research when making decisions
  4. Encourage all students and teachers to aim high
  5. Link with other improving schools
  6. Get district leaders on board

This report synthesizes critical lessons learned from educators attempting to improve middle grades education across the country during the '90s, and bridges the gap between education researchers and practitioners by translating a wealth of research into practical middle school literature and ideas for front-line educators. The report emphasizes that in addition to structural changes in the classroom and schools, educators must also make substantial, far-reaching changes in curriculum, student assessment, and instruction to improve student learning.