ED396839 PS024343
Title: New Evidence for the Middle School.
Author(s): George, Paul S.; Shewey, Kathy
Author Affiliation: National Middle School Association, Columbus,
OH.(BBB21055)
Pages: 124
Publication Date: 1994
ISBN: 1-56090-084-9
Available from: EDRS Price MF01/PC05 Plus Postage.
Availability: National Middle School Association, 2600 Corporate Exchange
Drive, Columbus, OH 43231.
Language: English
Document Type: Book (010); Information Analysis (070); Reports--Research
(143)
Geographic Source: U.S.; Ohio
Journal Announcement: RIENOV1996
Studies done
in the 1960s and 1970s which sought to compare middle schools with
junior high schools were ineffective. Intended to fill the frequently
noted research void in the middle school movement, this monograph
summarizes previous research on the effectiveness of middle level
schools and presents results of a 1993 study on middle schools conducted
by the authors. Part 1 of the monograph provides an overview of
early research in middle level education and describes the outlier
research approach. The results of several studies conducted up to
1994 are detailed, providing substantial evidence to support the
efficacy of the middle school concept. Part 2 describes a 1985 study
of 130 middle schools which had been deemed especially successful.
The major findings are outlined: Middle level schools judged by
others as outstanding display team organization, teacher-based guidance
activities, flexible time use, faculty participation in decision-making,
and other tenets of the middle school concept, and positive results
are evident in academic achievement, school climate, faculty morale,
and student behavior. Part 3 describes the 1993 study conducted
by the authors. Comprehensive reports from 108 schools are analyzed
to reveal the presence of and the effectiveness of middle school
components that are widely recommended for schools serving 10-15
year olds. Part 4 completes the monograph with a summary statement
and conclusion, noting that practitioners can continue to expect
implementation of middle schools to result in improved academic
achievement, positive personal development, and enhanced citizenship
for its students, but that such goals will not be easy to achieve.
(Contains 54 references.) (KDFB)
Descriptors: Adolescents; Early Adolescents; Educational Assessment;
*Educational Research; Intermediate Grades; Junior High Schools;
*Middle Schools; Outcomes of Education; Research Methodology; *School
Effectiveness; Student Needs
Identifiers: Middle School Students; Outliers
