The American Middle School

During my teaching stint in Texas in the 90s, all the teachers were given t-shirts that says, "I'm in the middle and loving it!" In January, my fellow teacher, whose homeroom was across mine, came to me just before we left for the day. She showed her shirt. It says, "I'm in the middle and hating it!" A month before the end of the school year, she came to me again and showed me the same t-shirt. However, this time it says, "I'm in the middle and I'm quitting it!" That was it. She did not come back the following school year. She got tired "policing" these middle school kids.

Then,in 2004, I read, "Focus on the Wonder Years: Challenges Facing the American Middle School", a study done under the auspices of RAND Education (Juvonen,J., Augustine,C., et.al, 2004). The objectives of the study: To assess the state of the middle schools, particularly on its effectiveness in bringing about academic achievement, and to identify the school's major challenges to effectuate its function. It was a good study; however, most of its recommendations were vague and (for me) very weak.

Three recommendations of RAND study were the following: Offer intervention for the lowest performing students, possibly including summer programs...; adopt comprehensive disciplinary models that focus on preventing discipline problem and changing social norms or peer culture that fosters antisocial behavior, and offer parents information about the academic and instructional goals and methods used in middle grades and suggests activities to facilitate learning at home.

Since I once a participant in and an observer of the American Middle School education, I would like to comment and suggest.

Indeed, there is a great need to intervene, to come up with disciplinary models, and to suggests some learning activities at home and inform parents with what is going on at school. And indeed, these were not new. I taught the middle school kids in 1993 and my school have been implementing actions similar to RAND recommendations. Nevertheless, many fellow teachers were still not very effective in teaching these kids. Main problem were the lack of DISCIPLINE and RESPECT among these kids. So, why can't the educational system zero in on these problems? We all know that without discipline and respect, no education can take place. Without discipline and respect, no class is conducive to learning. Without discipline and respect, infightings and bullying among kids will be the common sight of the day. That is why middle school teachers would say that they are paid to "police" these kids.

Definitely, we were acting as police officers, during my middle school teaching stint. Teachers were in the school ground just before class, not to socialize with the kids, but to avoid fights and be ready to break a fight between these kids. Then, in between class periods, we were on our feet standing by the hallway for the same reason. In class, we always were in the look out of possible bullying and unruly behavior, which usually happened even before the completion of a 5-minute language drill. Ironically, we were strictly required to follow (and complete) the prescribed lessons of the day, which often times unexplained well (because many kids, who have attention deficit disorder (ADHD) do not want to listen anymore); hence, teacher ended up giving seat works for them to sit still. The school copying room was always busy. The resources alloted for ink cartridges and copying papers were depleted before spring break.

Hopefully, the incoming president of the USofA would push the educational system to a reform that could response to the disciplinary problem in the middle school. Frankly, US has no problem with the elementary schools. Effective instruction have been taking place from Head Start to 5th grade. Colleges and universities are still top-notch, still the best in the world. It is the middle school (6th to 8th grades) that American educational system is problematic. And middle school education is crucial. It is the period when kids undergo multiple physical, social, and psychological changes. It is the period when testosterone and progesterone are activated and jumping, trying to get loose like crazy. It is the period of experimentation and assertion of self. It is the period when kids try to challenge leadership both at home and at school. Incorporating a "military" program in the curriculum could be a solution to the problem. Why not try it?