Middle School
Education news, analysis, and opinion about schools typically serving 6th to 8th grades and the students who attend them
Assessment
This School Didn't Like Traditional Grades. So It Created Its Own System
Principals at this middle school said the transition to the new system took patience and time.
Reading & Literacy
Reading Interventions for Older Students May Be Missing a Key Component
Many older elementary and middle school students still struggle with foundational reading skills.
Science
Reading and Writing Like a Scientist
English and science teachers in Missouri middle schools collaborate to help students tackle complex scientific texts.
Mathematics
AI Gets Math Wrong Sometimes. How Teachers Deal With Its Shortcomings
Teachers discussed how they handle the technology’s errors—and sometimes, use these flaws to their advantage.
School & District Management
Meet the 3 Finalists for National Principal of the Year
All three finalists spoke about the need to lift up their peers.
School Climate & Safety
Q&A
How Peer Mentors Can Ease the Transitions to Middle and High School
Advice on how to build peer mentor program.
Student Well-Being
Making the Transition to Middle School Better
Experts offer strategies for easing the transition to middle school and helping students find success.
Student Well-Being
How Video Games Can Combat Chronic Absenteeism (Yes, Really)
In one district, middle school esports clubs are helping to boost attendance and student engagement.
Reading & Literacy
Q&A
Can Taylor Swift Get Students to Love Poetry?
A college professor will train middle and high school teachers on how to use Swift's lyrics in their curriculum.
Ed-Tech Policy
What Happened When This District Did an About-Face on Cellphones
Cellphones and other technologies have altered parents’ expectations about how on-demand kids and teachers should be.
Law & Courts
Court Backs School That Barred Student's 'Two Genders' Shirt
The court said the shirt could be understood to demean transgender and gender-nonconforming students, and administrators could prohibit it.
Student Achievement
How Teachers Build Confidence to Motivate Middle Schoolers in STEM
Sixth through eighth grade marks a shift in what motivates students, presenting a big challenge for science and math teachers.
Mathematics
What the Research Says
4 Questions to Boost Algebra Gains for Middle Schoolers
More than 1 in 3 public school students now takes Algebra 1 in middle school. Here's how to make sure they succeed in this gatekeeper class.
Reading & Literacy
Older Students Who Struggle to Read Hide in Plain Sight. What Teachers Can Do
Going back to basics may get to the root of the problem.