I never went to a "middle school" so I've never understood how it differed from my school. I went to a private grade school, grades 1-8. Since I never went to a middle school I've never really understood this anomoly. The article written by Lounsbury and Vars describes the successes and failures of middle school. I understand that there should be training to teach children of this age, but I wonder if having an actual middle school makes any difference, compared to just continuing to be at ones elementary school. Would the education be any different? Would children have different social experiences? Why do they need to go to a seperate school once they reach this age?
The article talks about how there has been this third level of adolescent education established; the middle school in addition to the elementary and high school. It also mentions that there have been successes of this pre-high school set up. However, the article fails to mention specifically how having this middle level school is responsible for these successes or how they've concluded this. I agree that there should be teachers who specialize in this age range of students because this is when students are experiences the most dramatic changes in their life. While the most notable changes are physical this affects their mental and emotional status as well. I understand that this is a signficant time so there should be teachers who focus specifically on this age range, but I'm not convinced that having seperate schools for kids of this age makes a difference in their education.
Maybe too much of a deal is made about middle school, which may stress some kids out. I've worked for the rec dept. the past four years and each year I hear kids talking about getting ready for middle school and thier concerns. It seems funny to me because I do not necessarily see it being any different than the schools they already attend, just a different grade level. Some people may say that you could use this similar arguement for high school, its just the next grade level. But for me i only had 20 people in my class all throughout grade school and once i got to high school there were about 400 people in my class. I think the most important thing to take away from this article is that since this is such an important time in the physical, emotional, and mental development of children there should be teachers who specialize in this specific age range.
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thank you for providing me with articles to comment on sheff...I did go to a middle school (6-8) so I guess i can speak a little on this topic. I think the only difference that having a middle school vs. having k-8 is that it creates that "freshmen" mentality for the 6th graders (or whatever grade the middle school starts). Entereing a new school is a somewhat different experience than simply moving up a grade.
ReplyDeleteWhat i do agree with you on though is that it really shouldn't have much of an effect on the educational aspects of it. I see no reason for a teacher to change up their lessons because they switch to a 6-8 middle school from a k-8 school.
Having gone to a middle school it has been pointed out in the last comment that they do create social barriers and anxieties associated with the grade. Your final point though that we should have teachers able to cope and accommodate students based on their emotional needs is right on. I don't understand why that isn't a given anyways but that's a hole other topic.
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