[speedgibson] Speed Gibson: Do Middle Schools Work? Part 2

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Posted by Speed Gibson:
Do Middle Schools Work?  Part 2
http://speedgibson.powerblogs.com/posts/1201502942.shtml


   In [1]Part 1, I described another approach to education, where the
   "middle school" / "junior high" layer is removed. Instead, there is a
   K-8 elementary school and a 9-12 secondary school.
   I'm new to this but I like it already. In my "Project 281" travels, I
   have found that parents take great pride in their neighborhood
   elementary schools in particular and their high school in general.
   There is no love for middle schools, only some admiration here and
   there for a specific teacher. Middle school is to be endured, not
   enjoyed, not really remembered. All I personally remember is the
   transition. My fond memories were from Brookside Elementary (a block
   away) and St. Louis Park High School.
   Getting back to 281, which has three aging middle schools at least 10
   aging elementary schools, maybe it's time for a change. Maybe the new
   elementary schools should be made larger and appropriate for K-8. As a
   transition / prototype, Plymouth Middle School, currently being
   updated, could become such a school, consolidating with nearby Pilgrim
   Lane Elementary.
   This is speculation at this point but if public schools are to
   survive, changes of this magnitude may be required.

References

   1. http://speedgibson.powerblogs.com/posts/1201491771.shtml