Perceptions and Implementation of the Middle School Model: Lessons Learned

• In Event: 75.035 - Examining Middle School Organization, Teaching Practices, and Teacher Education in the 21st Century

Abstract

A pilot study was conducted with a sample of local middle school educators to gather perceptions regarding the importance of aspects of middle schools and to examine the alignment with implementation of these aspects. A survey was administered to the participants in the pilot study. A Wilcoxon Signed Rank test was conducted on the Likert-scale responses to test for gaps in perceptions and implementation. Results indicated that several components, including advisory programs, flexible scheduling and grouping, and components related to learning and school climate had disconnects between perceived importance and implementation at the school and classroom level. Several barriers to these components were identified, including lack of staff/support, insufficient time, and community resistance. A discussion of significance follows the results.

Authors

• James Ryan Alverson, Northern Kentucky University

• Shawn A. Faulkner, Northern Kentucky University

• Chris Cook, Appalachian State University

• Michael DiCicco, Northern Kentucky University