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Middle School Program
By dorothy.bialke | October 12, 2007
As a member of the National Middle School Association, St. Raphael receives the monthly professional journal, Middle Ground. In The Family Connection part of the the October issue one topic covered was what is the best grade configuration for young adolescent students. The article has been inserted below.
2007 • Volume 12 • Number 2
Parents Want to Know …
What is the best combination of grades for a middle level school?
For elementary age children and high school age adolescents, the options are fairly limited—to elementary and high schools. But, young adolescents, ages 10 to 15, are often found in a variety of schools with different grade configurations. While research indicates there is no one best configuration, every different combination has advantages and disadvantages for young adolescents’ learning. Here are several of the most common.
- K–8 schools, where students stay together for their elementary and middle school years. Advantages: The lack of transitions from school to school and the opportunity to have a school community for nine years. Disadvantages: K–8 schools often do not have the wide range of course offerings in areas such as art, drama, foreign language, and computers.
- Separate middle level schools (whether called middle school, intermediate, or junior high school) usually include grades 5–8, 6–8, or 7–8. Advantages: These schools should be designed around the unique learning needs of 10- to 15-year-olds—active and engaging learning opportunities for all students, at least one adult who knows every young adolescent well, opportunities to explore a wide variety of both core and elective subjects, and preparation for high school that build on successful middle level practices.
- K–12, 7–12, or others. Advantages: Potentially, continuity and consistency in program and relationships. Disadvantages: When middle level and high schools are together, often the middle level becomes the “country cousin,” receiving less priority than the high school. In some instances, the high school practices, often inappropriate for young adolescents, are adopted or pushed on the middle level.
While any school with any set of grades can provide the proper environment, young adolescents deserve the same attention paid to their schooling that younger and older students receive. Whatever the grade configuration, how students are treated, the chances they have for close relationships with peers and teachers, and the opportunities they have for being engaged in high-level work are three key components in any middle level school.
As I read the article I was so pleased to reflect on the education we provide for our young adolecent students. First we offer an enriching program that includes; art, music, choir, Spanish, physical education and the core subjects of religion, science, literature, English, social studies and math. All of these subjects have technology integrated into their instruction.
To further enhance our program we have the fall musical and a variety of athletic teams along with the church youth group activites. Our teachers know the students and take a personal interest in each child and help them grow and develop.
When I give tours to potential families they are amazed of all we have to offer. What stands out to them is that we have a full range of programs that meet the educational and development needs for each age group we have in our school.
Topics: middle school, toolbox for learning, technology |