Educating students in the middle: Getting it right with or without middle schools

Over forty years of research and experience show that it is the middle school philosophy and approach, rather than grade span or school organisation, which make middle schools educationally effective for students aged 10-15. Educators in all types of school catering for these students should seriously consider implementing middle school philosophy and practice, to help raise and maintain student achievement and motivation, and teacher morale and retention rates, while lowering suspensions, expulsions and negative behaviour.