NMSA Meets with the U.S. Department of Education

On March 28, 2011, seven representatives of National Middle School Association (NMSA) met with leaders at the United Stated Department of Education (USDOE) to communicate the critical importance of supporting reform for middle grades education and of meeting the unique needs of middle level learners. 

This We Believe: Keys to Educating Young Adolescents was the reference point for much of the discussion. Presenters used the four essential attributes and sixteen characteristics of This We Believe  to vividly define true middle schools, while indicating that these concepts were research-based and could be used with middle grades students in schools of any grade configuration. Also discussed was Success in the Middle: A Policymakers Guide to Achieving Successful Middle Level Education, including its five goals that serve as a cornerstone for school improvement.

The healthy discussion between NMSA and USDOE leaders fostered a genuine interest and desire to work together and resulted in several recommendations for partnership that are now under discussion. Department of Education Secretary Arne Duncan will address NMSA's 38th Annual Conference and Exhibit in Louisville, Kentucky, November 10-12, 2011.

NMSA representatives included:

Betty Greene-Bryant, Ed. D., NMSA Interim Executive Director, OH
Micki Caskey, Ph. D., Professor, Portland State University, OR
Doug Herlensky, NMSA Sr. Director of Professional Services, OH
Reggie Jackson, Principal, Craigmont Middle School, TN
Kathleen McCaffrey, Teacher, Webb Bridge Middle School, GA
Fran Salyers, Director, Center for Middle School Academic Achievement, Eastern Kentucky University, KY
Karen Swanson, Ed. D., Associate Professor, Mercer University, GA