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Experience, Attitude Hallmarks of Successful Middle Schools

Posted on: Tuesday, 6 September 2005, 03:01 CDT

In 1999, the National Association of secondary School Principals contracted with the University of Missouri-Columbia's Middle Level Leadership Center to conduct a multiyear, national study of leadership in middle level schools, typically grades six through eight. The research team, led by Education professor Jerry Valentine, recently released the second volume of the study that includes data from 98 "highly successful" middle schools and an indepth study of six of those schools. The report states that the principals and administrators played important roles in the schools' success. In particular, longevity in an administrative position and specialized education were a common thread among the flourishing schools. A principal's attitude also is essential in creating a positive education environment, Valentine says. Besides the experience and attitude of the schools' administrators, the research teams also found that the schools provided "community-focused and caring school environments and goals leaned toward the creation of civic-minded and caring individuals. Successful schools emphasized service learning, character education and interpersonal relationships between students and teachers to foster a more personalized learning environment that creates more "ethical and caring citizens."

Copyright Peter Li, Inc. Aug 2005

Source: School Planning & Management

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