Middle School Best Practices
On this page we share information to help you understand the defined best practices for middle schools. Young adolescents have different developmental needs than elementary students and high school students. Our current schedule allows students the flexibility to explore many areas of instruction, and to perform very well in the five academic subject areas. As this information shows, it is the variety in curriculum that is helping our students perform well in all areas.
The district has yet to present any valid research that demonstrates removing time from elective areas and adding to core subjects is a sound educational practice.
The following articles support the current schedule as a sound teaching model for our middle schools:
States Seek Ways to Measure Quality Instructional Time
Research Summary - Characteristics of Exemplary Schools for Young Adolescents
Exploratory Curriculum in the Middle Schools
Living with and Teaching Young Adolescents
Arts Education Plays Key Role in School Reform
Designing an Effective Middle Level Schedule
Research Summary - Flexible Scheduling
Advocating for Young Adolescent Learners in the 21st Century
Learning Criteria for 21st Century Learners
16 Characteristics for Middle Schools
The Benefits of the Study of Music
Music Education Stats and Information
Information about Stand Alone Computer Apps classes