Validating the Successful Middle School Framework: A Structural Equation Modeling Approach

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Thursday 4:15 pm
  In Roundtable Session: Mapping the Field: Trends, Frameworks, and Global Perspectives in Middle Level Research

Abstract

The Successful Middle School: This We Believe outlines 18 characteristics across three domains—Culture and Community, Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment, and Leadership and Organization—as elements of effective middle-level education. Despite widespread use, the framework’s factor structure had not been empirically validated. This study analyzed responses from 2,909 school staff across 56 schools using structural equation modeling to assess the framework’s construct validity. Results support a three-factor model with good fit and generally strong factor loadings, confirming the distinct yet interrelated nature of the domains. Findings highlight the framework’s psychometric integrity and practical value while identifying areas, such as leadership alignment, for further exploration. This validation provides a foundation for ongoing research, school improvement efforts, and professional learning grounded in the SMS framework.

Authors

• Sarah E. Pennington, Montana State University

• Christina J. Fassbender, Montana State University