South Kitsap Grade Reconfiguration Why Sixth Graders Should be at Middle Schools 8th 7th 6th

What is Junior High? Junior High Is Often Considered A “Junior Version” Of High School. Junior high students attend the same six periods each day, with teachers who are assigned specific subject areas. At its core, a junior high school is subject-centered, with academics as its first priority. Students focus on mastery of concepts and skills in separate subject areas. Junior high staff traditionally focus on teaching subject matter versus teaching students social and organizational skills in addition to academic information. Junior high schools provide a more structured after-school activity program, as well as athletics organized around an interscholastic concept.

The Transition From Junior High To High School Can Be Difficult As students make the transition into high school, many experience a decline in grades and attendance. However, research has shown that a challenging and supportive middle school experience can result in a more successful transition into high school.

Middle school is not about grade configuration, but about effective programs and practices. Middle schools emphasize personal connection and social development while also promoting academic rigor and challenge.

Junior High vs. Middle Schools Subject-based, with emphasis on academic development Student-oriented, with dual emphasis on academic and relational development Provides primarily subject-based academic and elective classes Provides more options for exploratory and elective classes Traditional six-period day More flexible scheduling approaches Teachers are in subject-based departments Students and teachers are in teams based on grade level Classrooms arranged by subject area Classrooms arranged by grade level

Spectrum Of Education Elementary High School Characteristics Most elementary school teachers teach several subjects, and they are generally responsible for teaching children their most fundamental school lessons. Elementary schools are focused on teaching students the skills they need for academic success. Characteristics Primary grades Same teacher for every subject Students grouped by grade level Very few transitions between classes No or limited electives Limited extra-curricular offerings Teachers grouped by grade level High School High school provides more choices for students in terms of courses and co- or extra-curricular opportunities. Teachers are focused on preparing students to be college and career ready. Characteristics Grades 9-12 Different teacher for each subject Students grouped by subject Transition between every class Wide variety of electives Numerous co/extra-curricular offerings Teachers grouped by subject

Middle Schools Fill The Gap Middle schools are designed to create more of a transition between elementary school and high school. Characteristics of a Middle School - Grades 6-8 Same teacher for more than one subject Students grouped mostly by grade level Fewer transitions from class to class Expanded access to electives More co- and extra-curricular offerings More collaboration among teachers Teachers with content area specialization

Why Middle School? “Middle schools offer programs and practices such as interdisciplinary teaming, flexible scheduling, advisory programs, and a wide variety of elective courses, considered to be essential for effective education for young adults.” -- Epstein, “The Middle Grades: Is grade span the most important issue?” Educational Horizons

Three Critical Advantages Smoother transition between elementary school and high school The transition between schools is a critical time in a student’s education. Students have a more positive experience when transitions are managed intentionally. Studies show that sixth-graders transition better than seventh-graders. Three years at the middle school level allows more time to prepare them for the next transition. It also provides more stability to the overall program and more time to build strong, positive relationships.

Three Critical Advantages Better oriented to address the needs of developmental stages of children between the ages of 11 and 13. Grades 6 through 8 parallel the period of human growth and development between childhood and adolescents (ages 11-13). Middle schools are oriented to the needs of this developmental stage.

Three Critical Advantages More extra-curricula and elective opportunities. Middle schools also offer a greater variety of co- and extra-curricular clubs and activities, as well as expanded electives. Middle schools have more opportunities for gifted students, struggling students, and all those in-between.

John Sedgwick Middle School Cedar Heights Middle School Marcus Whitman Middle School