Recently, you wrote about the advantages of K-8 schools. I am a proponent of both K-8 schools and middle schools. Would you please tell me some of the advantages and disadvantages of schools that are 6-8? -- 7/8 English Teacher
Answer: It is what goes on in the school that really matters -- not whether children of this age are enrolled in elementary or middle school. No particular sequence of grade spans has been proven to be superior to others. Here are some of the advantages of middle schools:
--They may be able to meet the developmental needs of young adolescents better.
--They can offer diverse programs that allow students to explore in greater depth such classes as physical education, art, speech, drama, music, home economics, shop, foreign language, keyboarding and consumer education.
--They offer students more opportunity to participate in clubs, student government and musical groups.
--They have teachers who are specialists in their subject area.
--Students can participate in more sports activities.
Here are some of the disadvantages:
--Students can suffer achievement loss during the transition year between elementary and middle school.
--A very few studies have shown that students in K-8 schools outperform students in middle schools.
--There is less protective nurturing.
--Family relationships with the school are not as strong.
--There can be more bullying and violence.