NYT Middle School Article

This article presents the issue of removing middle schools from school districts, not having a separate school for the 6-8 or 7-8 years. The two positions described in this article are a K-8 school and a 6-12 school. The K-8 school is argued as positive because it allows students to be "nurtured" for a few more years, in the same school, with the same teachers they once had and are comfortable with. The 6-12 school is discussed positively in that by getting students in 6th grade, that gives 3 more years to prepare them for college, therefore many more students will be likely to go to college. The students who attend the 6-12 school are thought to mature more and teachers enjoy working with them toward college-prep earlier than the usual 9th grade.

I don't think I'm really in favor of either of these schools. In my school district there was a middle school for 7th & 8th grade. I think that is best because the students need a break from the nuturing and get prepared for high school, and they can achieve that in a typical middle school. The K-8 school does not appeal to me because that just seems so long for these students who are continually growing, to be in the same building. They need new experiences and being in the same school as an eighth grader as you were in Kindergarten does just not seem right. The 6-12 school does not appeal to me either because I think it is important that kids have their time in the "middle school" to prepare for high school. In the article a teacher explained how he spent more time dealing with 170 middle school students than 300 high school students. That shows that the students really do need their own individual time in a middle school all on their own.

If I had to pick one of these sides to go with, it would probably be the 6-12 school because students will have more time for college prep and will hopefully mature faster and earlier since they will be roaming the same hallways as high school students. The K-8 school just seems like you'd be extending their childhood and not allowing the students to mature or experience new and exciting opportunities that will allow them to grow and thrive. In a middle school whether it be 6-8 or just 7 & 8, students will be able to have their own time, their own experiences, get to know each other better, and then move on to high school together.