Tenets of the Middle School Philosophy: Beliefs and Practices of Novice Teachers

• In Event: Marriott Roundtable Session 42
  In Roundtable Session: Middle-Level Teacher Education: Perspectives and Practices

Abstract

Educating the young adolescent has consistently posed a challenge during much of the existence of formalized education in the United States. Since the 1960s, the middle school concept proposed a developmentally responsive educational experience for adolescents. This multiple case study sought to examine novice middle grades teachers to determine whether the tenets of middle level philosophy were evident in their professional practice. Through interviews, focus groups, and observations of 12 first-year middle grades teachers, participants were often unable to articulate the tenets of middle level philosophy, describe effective middle level practices, or demonstrate them in a classroom setting.

Authors

• Shawn A. Faulkner, Northern Kentucky University

• Chris Cook, Appalachian State University

• Michael DiCicco, Northern Kentucky University