Re: Middle School Grade Configurations

[Ken Haycock <haycock@UNIXG.UBC.CA>]

The typical configuration for middle schools is Grades 6-8; the typical
configuration for junior high schools is grades 7-9; and the typical
configuration for what is sometimes called "senior elementary" is grades
7-8. Twenty years ago junior high schools were more common; comon
patterns today are either toward middle schools or comprehensive
secondary schools. The main reasons are that middle schools reflect more
of an "elementary" philosophy meaning student-centeredness, flexibility
and more time with fewer teachers plus the opportuntiies for leadership
at that age; the comprehensive secondary school does not usually provide
these advantages but does have a wider range of teacher expertise and
thus a wider range of program electives [for example, art may be required
at the junior level so you have a specialist who can teach fewer students
at the senior level, or vice versa]. Hope this helps.--Ken

On Tue, 30 Apr 1996, Clark and Sally Todd wrote:

> Dear Fellow LM Netters,
>
> Is anyone working in a school district which has a separate building for
> seventh or eighth grade? Our district is building a new middle school;
> several individuals on the committee would like to investigate this
> possibility. What are the pros and cons, etc.
>
> TIA for taking time to respond.
>
> Sincerely,
>
> Sally J. Todd
> stodd@sos.net
>