Teacher Education, Educational Leadership & Policy ETDs

Publication Date

5-15-1970

Abstract

This study was undertaken to determine to what extent the middle school, in actual practice, is doing a better job of meeting the needs of young adolescents than its predecessor, the junior high school.

Thirty-five middle schools and thirty-five junior high schools were paired in terms of school population, soci-economic conditions, and geographical location.

Letters and questionnaires were sent out to principals of schools included in this study. The study was explained to these administrators and the need was stressed for the return of all questionnaires for the completion of the study.

The summary of the findings indicated some differences in the two types of schools:

  1. The middle schools do permit some departmentalization in grades five and six.
  2. In many instances the study indicated that both junior high school and middle school administrators recommend the removal of the ninth grade.
  3. The middle schools are less likely to have interscholastic sports, cheerleaders, marching bands, night dances, pep assemblies, school annuals, and honor societies than paired junior high schools.
  4. No significant difference exists in facilities available.
  5. Middle schools had significantly more flexible scheduling, team teaching and independent study than did the junior high schools.
  6. Guidance programs in the paired junior high schools were superior to the programs in the middle schools. Indications are that the middle school administrators in this study are making determined efforts to use extensively many of the claimed advantages of the middle school structure. The only area that seemed neglected was guidance services.

The removal of school activities considered as undesirable for young adolescents were also accomplished in a significant number of the middle schools in this study. Programs in the 7-8-9 schools were much more closely aligned to the sophisticated high school programs than were those in the middle schools surveyed.

The findings of this study indicate a need to improve flexible scheduling, curriculum development in the areas of exploration and enrichment experiences, and activities programs specifically designed for young adolescents.

Grade patterns and educational programs are not always the most important consideration in the education of young adolescents. Rather, the important consideration is to have a carefully designed structure and program suitable to the individual situation, and to implement this program effectively to meet the needs of young adolescents.

Document Type

Dissertation

Language

English

Degree Name

Teaching, Learning and Teacher Education

Level of Degree

Doctoral

Department Name

Teacher Education, Educational Leadership & Policy

First Committee Member (Chair)

Alvin Wendell Howard

Second Committee Member

Bonner Milton Crawford

Third Committee Member

Wilson Howard Ivins

Fourth Committee Member

Illegible

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