In The Middle

   “In the Middle” describes the pros and cons of 6^th to 8^th grade middle schools, and Kindergarten to 8^th grade schools.  Recently, there has been a developing trend in the way students ages 10-15 are being educated, numerous educators are denying middle schools and accepting K-8 schools.

   Middle schools were made to solve problems that junior high schools presented, to help solve over-crowding in elementary schools, and to benefit students in the move to high school.  However middle schools aren’t doing any better than junior high schools did.

   Some educators, like Jana Juvonen believe K-8 schools are far superior to middle schools, because kids are going through many physical and psychological changes.  Students who are switching from 5^th to 6^th grade, have had a decline in test scores in both reading and math.  However some educators think otherwise, Barry Fein a principal at a middle school in New York agrees that middle school is a difficult change but thinks it is a worthwhile switch.  He says that middle schools offer clubs, sports, and more classes, unlike elementary schools. 

   All educators deem that kids should have the most proficient learning conditions educators can offer.  Maybe a possible solution to this debate is the option of choosing K-8 or middle school, just like in a district in California that gives families this option. I think that we should use the K-8 model, because we don’t have to switch schools at such a difficult time.  I think we should make middle school a part of elementary school, what I mean is that, by the time you get to 6^th grade you are offered sports, clubs and more classes, but you don’t switch schools.