Middle Schools

Gayle Andrews Educator

New curriculum guidance for Math from the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, that shows us what a child should learn in math by grade, called "Focal Points for Prekindergarten Through Grade 8 Mathematics".

Gayle Andrews is an Educator. She is the co-author of two books, "Turning Points 2000, Educating Adolescents in the 21st Century" And "Making the Most of Middle School". She is an assistant professor at the University of Georgia.

Jake Vigdor is Associate Professor of Public Policy Studies and Economics of the Terry Sanford Institute of Public Policy of Duke University. Their latest study looks to see if K-6 is better than K-5 for children. The Duke research has a chart that shows a significant improvement in behavior in the K-6 environment vs. the K-5 and that that behavior change carries forward for several years. It also mentions that the students were behind in scores and caught up during the sixth grade in K-6, although that finding needs more thought. There is also the factor that if you configure schools K-6, 7-9, 10-12 the ninth graders would have a more immature social structure and possibly reduce some of the issues connected with being a ninth grader in a high school.

Jose Barillas is the Principal of Thurgood Marshal Middle School in Chicago IL and is a hero. I thought about our conversation for 1 month after we recorded it before I could edit it. His story so gripped and troubled me I needed the time to gather perspective. He has taught for 30 years. His school which is a small school (400 students) has been selected one of the “Schools to watch”. Now in the sunset years of his career he looks at what has changed and what needs to be done. Jose’s school has 97% free lunch and 85% Latino. Jose helps us understand what is happening with parental involvement at his school and how it affects the children.