The Edvocate

Top Menu

Main Menu

  • Start Here
    • Our Brands
    • Governance
      • Lynch Educational Consulting
      • Dr. Lynch’s Personal Website
      • Careers
    • Write For Us
    • Books
    • The Tech Edvocate Product Guide
    • Contact Us
    • The Edvocate Podcast
    • Edupedia
    • Terms and Conditions
    • Privacy Policy
  • PreK-12
    • Assessment
    • Assistive Technology
    • Child Development
    • Classroom Management
    • Early Childhood
    • EdTech & Innovation
    • Education Leadership
    • Equity
    • First Year Teachers
    • Gifted and Talented Education
    • Parental Involvement
    • Policy & Reform
    • Special Education
    • Teachers
  • Higher Ed
    • Best Colleges and Universities
    • Best College and University Programs
    • Diversity
    • HBCU’s
    • Higher Education
    • Higher Education EdTech
    • International Education
  • Advertise
  • The Tech Edvocate Awards
    • The Awards Process
    • Finalists and Winners of The 2022 Tech Edvocate Awards
      • Finalists and Winners of The 2021 Tech Edvocate Awards
      • Finalists and Winners of The 2020 Tech Edvocate Awards
      • Finalists and Winners of The 2019 Tech Edvocate Awards
      • Finalists and Winners of The 2018 Tech Edvocate Awards
      • Finalists and Winners of The 2017 Tech Edvocate Awards
    • Award Seals
  • Apps
    • GPA Calculator for College
    • GPA Calculator for High School
    • Cumulative GPA Calculator
    • Grade Calculator
    • Weighted Grade Calculator
    • Final Grade Calculator
  • The Tech Edvocate
  • Pedagogue
  • P-20 Ed Careers

logo

The Edvocate

  • Start Here
    • Our Brands
    • Governance
      • Lynch Educational Consulting
      • Dr. Lynch’s Personal Website
        • My Speaking Page
      • Careers
    • Write For Us
    • Books
    • The Tech Edvocate Product Guide
    • Contact Us
    • The Edvocate Podcast
    • Edupedia
    • Terms and Conditions
    • Privacy Policy
  • PreK-12
    • Assessment
    • Assistive Technology
    • Child Development
    • Classroom Management
    • Early Childhood
    • EdTech & Innovation
    • Education Leadership
    • Equity
    • First Year Teachers
    • Gifted and Talented Education
    • Parental Involvement
    • Policy & Reform
    • Special Education
    • Teachers
  • Higher Ed
    • Best Colleges and Universities
    • Best College and University Programs
    • Diversity
    • HBCU’s
    • Higher Education
    • Higher Education EdTech
    • International Education
  • Advertise
  • The Tech Edvocate Awards
    • The Awards Process
    • Finalists and Winners of The 2022 Tech Edvocate Awards
      • Finalists and Winners of The 2021 Tech Edvocate Awards
      • Finalists and Winners of The 2020 Tech Edvocate Awards
      • Finalists and Winners of The 2019 Tech Edvocate Awards
      • Finalists and Winners of The 2018 Tech Edvocate Awards
      • Finalists and Winners of The 2017 Tech Edvocate Awards
    • Award Seals
  • Apps
    • GPA Calculator for College
    • GPA Calculator for High School
    • Cumulative GPA Calculator
    • Grade Calculator
    • Weighted Grade Calculator
    • Final Grade Calculator
  • The Tech Edvocate
  • Pedagogue
  • P-20 Ed Careers
  • How to Use Virtual Reality in Nursing

  • How to Secure Distance Learning Info in the Hacking Prone Environment

  • Glossary of Grammar Terms

  • How to Empower Your Faculty in an M-learning Environment

  • Tips for Teaching Learners Remotely

  • Math Terms That Everyone Should Know

  • Neglectful Parenting Style: Everything You Need to Know

  • Graduate School: Everything You Need to Know

  • Nailing the Perfect Email – How to Professionally Correspond with your Professor

  • Many Important Questions That Tech Coaches Have to Ask Each Other

Middle School
Home›Middle School›A Guide to Middle Schools

A Guide to Middle Schools

By Matthew Lynch
December 10, 2021
827
0
Spread the love

It isn’t uncommon for students to remember their middle school years as awkward and difficult, but in reality, it is the time when most students begin to thrive academically. By this time, students would have gotten through the difficulty of the shift from learning for pleasure, to learning for information and growth. Students, if the goals of elementary school are achieved successfully, should have been fully equipped with the skill and discipline they need to start working within a more challenging, defined, and goal-oriented academic structure. By the time they enter middle school, then, they can start walking on a clearer path which will prompt them to participate more in their academic growth and take increased responsibility for their success.  

Middle school is usually from the sixth grade to the eighth grade. A challenge that most middle school students experience is the sudden shift from the simple schedule they became accustomed to in elementary school to a block or departmentalized schedule. Block scheduling is an academic scheduling system that typically features a reduced number of daily classes for students, with each class having a significantly longer duration than students are used to. 

A class could be as long as 90 minutes, and unlike in elementary school, where one teacher could teach a class all the subjects, a middle school teacher would teach the same subject to different classes. In other words, block scheduling makes sure teachers teach by subject area. To achieve this, each teacher would have to rotate classes all day so they can teach the same subject.  

Some middle schools also schedule using an interdisciplinary team. The way this usually works is that a team of what is typically four teachers share 80 to 100 students and rotate according to a schedule, taking turns to teach their assigned group of students. These teachers meet at least once every week to discuss the progress of their students and any issues or problems that some students might be experiencing, and what steps they can take to help.  

When students enter middle school, they are presented with the option of taking electives. Electives give students the chance to select courses that they find interesting. Some common elective classes include graphic art, service learning, music, computers, film production, etc. The range of electives that are made available to students depends entirely on what their respective schools offer. Additionally, students that have courses that need remediation have the option of taking an extra course required in the specific area. 

Students that are flourishing academically have the option of taking advanced classes such as foreign languages or pre-algebra. As mentioned earlier, there is a greater emphasis on test scores and preparation for tests.

At the start of middle school, students will be introduced to extracurricular activities that will help them get ready for life in high school. The extracurricular activities are usually sports or clubs that are often unrelated to the basic academic courses, but are school-sponsored and held on school property. These extracurricular activities are not held during normal class hours and usually take place before or after school, sometimes during weekends. In grades seven and eight, schools begin to focus more on preparing their students for high school and helping them choose and actively start working towards a career path.  

Junior high school is a delicate time for students and is aimed at preparing students for their future by helping them strengthen their skills and develop unique personalities. Junior high school should enable students to gain an eagerness for exploration, pushing limits, understanding and accepting diversity, developing a desire for self-improvement and personal growth, etc. Junior high school helps students to learn to adapt to a disciplined and goal-oriented schedule during what is typically a chaotic period in their lives. This will help them prepare for the challenges of high school and tertiary education by enabling them to form the habits they will need to navigate the complex structures awaiting them.

Previous Article

28 Ways to Help Students Focus on ...

Next Article

23 Hacks for Students That Perform Poorly ...

Matthew Lynch

Related articles More from author

  • Adult EducationAsk An ExpertAssessmentAssistive TechnologyBlack Boys in CrisisBullyingChild DevelopmentClassroom ManagementDisabilitiesEarly ChildhoodEarly Childhood & K-12 EdTechEdTech & InnovationEdTech FuturesEdTech Startups & BusinessesEducation LeadershipEducation NewsElementary EducationElementary SchoolEquityFeaturedFirst Year TeachersFreshGamificationGifted and Talented EducationHigher EducationHigher Education EdTechK-12Middle SchoolModern ParentingOnline Learning & eLearningOpEducationParental InvolvementParentingPersonalized LearningPodcastPolicy & ReformRetention & Social Promotion SeriesSpecial EducationSTEMTeacher EducationTeachersTestingYear-Round Schooling

    The Edvocate Podcast, Episode 3: Why Teacher Shortages Occur

    September 14, 2018
    By Matthew Lynch
  • High SchoolK-12Middle School

    5 Questions That You Should Expect During a Private School Interview

    May 28, 2021
    By Matthew Lynch
  • Ask An ExpertAssistive TechnologyBlack Boys in CrisisBullyingChild DevelopmentChild Development TechClassroom ManagementDisabilitiesDiversityEarly ChildhoodEarly Childhood & K-12 EdTechEdTech & InnovationEdTech Policy & ReformEducation LeadershipElementary EducationElementary SchoolEquityFeaturedFirst Year TeachersFreshGifted and Talented EducationHigh SchoolHigher EducationHigher Education EdTechK-12Middle SchoolModern ParentingOnline Learning & eLearningParent & Family TechParentingPersonalized LearningPodcastPolicy & ReformSecondary EducationSTEMTeacher EducationTeachersTesting

    The Edvocate Podcast, Episode 4: How to Create a Culturally Responsive Classroom

    September 24, 2018
    By Matthew Lynch
  • High SchoolMiddle School

    A Guide to Capstone Projects

    April 13, 2022
    By Matthew Lynch
  • AssessmentMiddle School

    Middle School Assessment Apps, Tools, and Resources That We Love

    September 21, 2021
    By Matthew Lynch
  • High SchoolMiddle School

    Poems for Middle School and High School

    June 18, 2022
    By Matthew Lynch

  • Artificial Intelligence

    The Difference Between AI, Machine Learning And Digital Assistants

  • Artificial IntelligenceEdTech & Innovation

    Customized Educational Programs Through AI

  • Artificial Intelligence

    Artificial Intelligence Makes Room for Innovation by Automating IT Tasks

Search

Registration and Login

  • Register
  • Log in
  • Entries feed
  • Comments feed
  • WordPress.org

Newsletter

Signup for The Edvocate Newsletter and have the latest in P-20 education news and opinion delivered to your email address!

Subscribe to The Edvocate Podcast

Apple PodcastsGoogle PodcastsAndroidby EmailRSS
  • Recent

  • Popular

  • Comments

  • How to Use Virtual Reality in Nursing

    By Matthew Lynch
    July 2, 2022
  • How to Secure Distance Learning Info in the Hacking Prone Environment

    By Matthew Lynch
    July 2, 2022
  • Glossary of Grammar Terms

    By Matthew Lynch
    July 2, 2022
  • How to Empower Your Faculty in an M-learning Environment

    By Matthew Lynch
    July 1, 2022
  • Tips for Teaching Learners Remotely

    By Matthew Lynch
    July 1, 2022
  • 18 Reasons the U.S. Education System is Failing

    By Matthew Lynch
    April 3, 2017
  • The Top 5 Unexpected Benefits of Early Childhood Education

    By Matthew Lynch
    February 29, 2016
  • 7 Benefits of STEM Education

    By Matthew Lynch
    January 12, 2019
  • What is Culturally Responsive Pedagogy?

    By Matthew Lynch
    April 21, 2016
  • pass or fail

    Black Boys in Crisis: Why Aren’t They Reading?

    By Matthew Lynch
    January 16, 2017
  • Business model canvas for elementary school - Model canvas
    on
    July 2, 2022

    Ask An Expert: School Systems and Business Models

    […] https://www.theedadvocate.org/ask-an-expert-school-systems-and-business-models/ […]
  • Pastor W. Eric Croomes
    on
    July 2, 2022

    Black Boys in Crisis: Why Aren’t They Reading?

    I agree. So many ...
  • Reading Fluency – Educators For You
    on
    June 30, 2022

    Reading Fluency Building Apps, Tools, and Resources That We Love

    […] Try these fluency ...
  • The Top Streaming Trends for 2022 - BingedNow
    on
    June 30, 2022

    Advantages Of Streaming In Schools

    […] also gives educators ...
  • The Top Streaming Trends for 2022 - Telegraph Star
    on
    June 29, 2022

    Advantages Of Streaming In Schools

    […] also gives educators ...

Ask an Expert

  • Ask An Expert

    How Dumbed Down Education Is Creating a National Security Crisis

    Spread the loveFor the past few decades, our country’s educational system has seen both struggle and tremendous change. With the various ailments plaguing our educational system, education reforms have attempted ...
  • Ask An Expert

    21 Inspirational Quotes That Nelson Mandela Made About Education

    Spread the loveWe all have our heroes. Those human beings that seem larger than life and almost achieve Godlike status. One of my heroes is the late-great Nelson Mandela, who ...
  • Ask An ExpertAssistive TechnologyCareer ReadinessChild Development TechClassroom ManagementDigital & Mobile TechnologyDigital LeadershipDisabilitiesDiversityEarly ChildhoodEarly Childhood & K-12 EdTechEdTech & InnovationEducation LeadershipElementary EducationElementary SchoolEquityFirst Year TeachersFreshHigh SchoolK-12Middle SchoolModern ParentingParent & Family TechParental InvolvementParentingPersonalized LearningPodcastPolicy & ReformPreK-12Special EducationSTEMTeacher EducationTeachers

    The Edvocate Podcast, Episode 7: How Digital Age Teachers Can Win Over Parents

    Spread the loveEducation is a collaborative process, as it takes many stakeholders working in unison to help students succeed academically. One of the most integral parts of this collaborative team ...
  • Ask An ExpertAssessmentAssistive TechnologyBlack Boys in CrisisChild Development TechClassroom ManagementDigital & Mobile TechnologyDigital LeadershipDisabilitiesEarly ChildhoodEarly Childhood & K-12 EdTechEdTech & InnovationEdTech Policy & ReformEducation LeadershipElementary EducationElementary SchoolEquityFeaturedFirst Year TeachersFreshGamificationGifted and Talented EducationHBCU'sHigh SchoolHigher EducationK-12Online Learning & eLearningOpEducationPersonalized LearningPodcastPolicy & ReformRetention & Social Promotion SeriesSpecial EducationSTEMTeacher EducationTeachersTesting

    The Edvocate Podcast, Episode 6: 8 Ways That Digital Age Teachers Avoid Burning Out

    Spread the loveBeing a teacher is a tough job. So much so, many new teachers end up leaving the field within their first three years. To ensure that the next ...
  • Ask An ExpertAssessmentAssistive TechnologyBlack Boys in CrisisBullyingChild DevelopmentChild Development TechClassroom ManagementCurrent Ed NewsDigital LeadershipEarly ChildhoodEarly Childhood & K-12 EdTechEdTech & InnovationEdTech Policy & ReformEdTech Startups & BusinessesEducation LeadershipEquityFeaturedFirst Year TeachersFreshGamificationGifted and Talented EducationHBCU'sHigh SchoolHigher EducationHigher Education EdTechK-12Matthew LynchModern ParentingOnline Learning & eLearningOpEducationPersonalized LearningPodcastPolicy & ReformRetention & Social Promotion SeriesSpecial EducationSTEMTeacher EducationTeachersTestingYear-Round Schooling

    The Edvocate Podcast, Episode 5: The Archetype of a Great Teacher

    Spread the loveOne of the questions that I am frequently asked is, what does a good teacher look like? I respond by mentioning my 10th-grade Biology teacher, Mrs. Minor, and ...

International Education

  • Education FoundationsInternational Education

    4 Reasons You Should Study Geography

    Spread the loveUsually, people are under the wrong impression that geography does not offer many job opportunities, and there are no jobs for a geographer. They think that studying geography ...
  • International Education

    How International Baccalaureate (IB) Programs Work

    Spread the loveThe International Baccalaureate Program is a very intensive pre-college program in which when students get involved, they get college credit. Unlike most other learning initiatives, this program deeply ...
  • International Education

    Globalization: Everything You Need to Know

    Spread the loveGlobalization is the growing interconnectedness of countries around the world. It involves increasing communication and various forms of interaction between people of different nations, ethnicities and cultures. There ...
  • AssessmentEducation LeadershipHigher EducationInternational EducationProfessional DevelopmentTeachers

    So You Want to Attend Graduate School: The 411 on Grad School Admissions Tests

    Spread the loveApplying for admission to professional and graduate schools is no less competitive than college/undergraduate admissions. If you’re planning to pursue a degree in business, law, medicine, or graduate ...
  • Higher EducationInternational Education

    What Extracurricular Activities Impress Colleges the Most?

    Spread the loveWhen you apply to schools that offer holistic admissions or apply to a college using the Common Application, you will have to describe your participation in extracurricular activities. ...

Early Childhood Education

  • Early Childhood

    18 Alphabet Videos to Help Kids Learn Their A.B.C.s

    Spread the loveIs anything more important in a young student’s life than learning their A.B.C.s? These alphabet videos help reinforce the letters and their sounds in a fun and engaging ...
  • Early Childhood

    16 Clean Up Songs for Kids

    Spread the loveCleaning up is a real drag, so We’ve put together this list of catchy clean-up songs for kids! Clean Up the Room https://youtu.be/GfTT8WBL3nM  Clean Up Song for Children ...
  • Early Childhood

    15 Fun Phonics Songs for Kids

    Spread the loveIn need of fun phonics songs for your students. Check out ou list? Alphabet Song https://youtu.be/R2frjzrC5Jg  The A.B.C. Song for Kids https://youtu.be/nKYCy4ZNBpU  Alphabet PE Exercise Song https://youtu.be/O6DgdjvbIyQ  CVC ...
  • Early Childhood

    25 Second Grade Jokes to Begin The Day

    Spread the loveAre your second graders in need of a laugh? Here’s a list of 25 fun second-grade jokes to keep the day rolling! Which letter has the most water? ...
  • Early Childhood

    25 Funny Thanksgiving Jokes for Kids

    Spread the loveIn need of some Thanksgiving jokes for your students? Calm the excitement with some belly laughs, and one of our favorite corny Thanksgiving jokes for kids. Why did ...

Gifted and Talented Education

  • Gifted and Talented Education

    Twice-Exceptional: What Does it Mean?

    Spread the loveTo be twice-exceptional is to be exceptionally gifted in some academic aspects while being below average compared to peers in other aspects. As a matter of fact, such ...
  • Gifted and Talented Education

    A Guide to Talent Search Programs

    Spread the loveThe Talent Search Initiative has as its aim; the identification of high-performing students by organizing specific tests. Different avenues are then provided for these students to channel their ...
  • Gifted and Talented EducationK-12

    Homogeneous Grouping: What You Need to Know

    Spread the loveThis term refers to the grouping of students by mental capability, aptitude, or hobbies. For instance, gifted students are placed in one group, and students with special needs ...
  • Gifted and Talented Education

    Cluster Grouping: What You Need to Know

    Spread the loveThis term describes a manner of classifying gifted students to place them in properly segmented classrooms. For example, about five to seven extremely bright pupils with comparable skill ...
  • Gifted and Talented EducationHigher Education

    Merit Scholarships: Everything Your Need to Know

    Spread the loveThese are monetary gifts awarded by institutions to superbly gifted students, who have set themselves apart by their exceptional performance in schoolwork, regardless of whether they require the ...

Black Boys in Crisis Series

  • Black Boys in Crisis

    The Importance of Mentoring Young African-American Males

    Spread the loveTeachers need to realize that at home, in their neighborhoods, and in school, many students face difficulties that can interfere with learning. Compared to their middle-class counterparts, it ...
  • Black Boys in CrisisDiversityEquity

    7 Ways That Black Students are Discriminated Against in U.S K-12 Schools

    Spread the loveAfrican Africans have a long history of being mistreated in the United States, starting with slavery. It should come as no surprise that their children face the same ...
  • Ask An ExpertAssessmentAssistive TechnologyBlack Boys in CrisisChild Development TechClassroom ManagementDigital & Mobile TechnologyDigital LeadershipDisabilitiesEarly ChildhoodEarly Childhood & K-12 EdTechEdTech & InnovationEdTech Policy & ReformEducation LeadershipElementary EducationElementary SchoolEquityFeaturedFirst Year TeachersFreshGamificationGifted and Talented EducationHBCU'sHigh SchoolHigher EducationK-12Online Learning & eLearningOpEducationPersonalized LearningPodcastPolicy & ReformRetention & Social Promotion SeriesSpecial EducationSTEMTeacher EducationTeachersTesting

    The Edvocate Podcast, Episode 6: 8 Ways That Digital Age Teachers Avoid Burning Out

    Spread the loveBeing a teacher is a tough job. So much so, many new teachers end up leaving the field within their first three years. To ensure that the next ...
  • Ask An ExpertAssessmentAssistive TechnologyBlack Boys in CrisisBullyingChild DevelopmentChild Development TechClassroom ManagementCurrent Ed NewsDigital LeadershipEarly ChildhoodEarly Childhood & K-12 EdTechEdTech & InnovationEdTech Policy & ReformEdTech Startups & BusinessesEducation LeadershipEquityFeaturedFirst Year TeachersFreshGamificationGifted and Talented EducationHBCU'sHigh SchoolHigher EducationHigher Education EdTechK-12Matthew LynchModern ParentingOnline Learning & eLearningOpEducationPersonalized LearningPodcastPolicy & ReformRetention & Social Promotion SeriesSpecial EducationSTEMTeacher EducationTeachersTestingYear-Round Schooling

    The Edvocate Podcast, Episode 5: The Archetype of a Great Teacher

    Spread the loveOne of the questions that I am frequently asked is, what does a good teacher look like? I respond by mentioning my 10th-grade Biology teacher, Mrs. Minor, and ...
  • Ask An ExpertAssistive TechnologyBlack Boys in CrisisBullyingChild DevelopmentChild Development TechClassroom ManagementDisabilitiesDiversityEarly ChildhoodEarly Childhood & K-12 EdTechEdTech & InnovationEdTech Policy & ReformEducation LeadershipElementary EducationElementary SchoolEquityFeaturedFirst Year TeachersFreshGifted and Talented EducationHigh SchoolHigher EducationHigher Education EdTechK-12Middle SchoolModern ParentingOnline Learning & eLearningParent & Family TechParentingPersonalized LearningPodcastPolicy & ReformSecondary EducationSTEMTeacher EducationTeachersTesting

    The Edvocate Podcast, Episode 4: How to Create a Culturally Responsive Classroom

    Spread the loveBuilding a culturally responsive classroom is hard. To help you along your journey, here is your guide to exploring and respecting the cultural backgrounds of your students while ...

RSS Matthew on Education Week

  • Au Revoir from Education Futures November 20, 2018 Matthew Lynch
  • 6 Steps to Data-Driven Literacy Instruction October 17, 2018 Matthew Lynch
  • Four Keys to a Modern IT Approach in K-12 Schools October 2, 2018 Matthew Lynch
  • What's the Difference Between Burnout and Demoralization, and What Can Teachers Do About It? September 27, 2018 Matthew Lynch
  • Revisiting Using Edtech for Bullying and Suicide Prevention September 10, 2018 Matthew Lynch

About Us

The Edvocate was created in 2014 to argue for shifts in education policy and organization in order to enhance the quality of education and the opportunities for learning afforded to P-20 students in America. What we envisage may not be the most straightforward or the most conventional ideas. We call for a relatively radical and certainly quite comprehensive reorganization of America’s P-20 system.

That reorganization, though, and the underlying effort, will have much to do with reviving the American education system, and reviving a national love of learning.  The Edvocate plans to be one of key architects of this revival, as it continues to advocate for education reform, equity, and innovation.

Newsletter

Signup for The Edvocate Newsletter and have the latest in P-20 education news and opinion delivered to your email address!

Contact

The Edvocate
5322 Markel Road, Suite 104
Richmond, VA 23230
(601) 630-5238
[email protected]

Follow us

Copyright (c) 2022 Matthew Lynch. All rights reserved.