Plan middle school conversion as a three-to-five-year effort with sequenced board approvals¶

Strategy · All strategies
Evidence · 1 claim (1 for) · 1 study (1 theoretical), q1 · 0 of 1 report an effect size · 1 claim rests on one study

Description¶

The authors state that "some three to five years are required in most districts to make a complete conversion from the junior high school design," and that the board is sequentially asked to accept a philosophy and definition, adopt goals and standards, accept definitions for new programs, and set aside long-term funds. Periodic evaluation committee reports keep the board informed and the effort on schedule.

Design Implications¶

Context¶

Requirements¶

• A management team initiating planning and conducting a needs assessment
• Standing coordinating and evaluation committees spanning the conversion period
• Board commitment of funds for program and staff development

Constraints¶

• The authors observe it is rare for a district to look ahead five years and carry out an instructional improvement plan

Target Learners¶

• Preadolescent students in converting districts

Target Learning Objectives¶

• Sustained implementation of a developmentally appropriate intermediate program

Claims¶

• Committee Structure Sustains Change Despite Turnover [+W]

Related Principles¶

Examples¶

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Key Sources¶

• Wiles, Jon W.; Bondi, Joseph W. (1986). Making Middle Schools Work. Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development. https://eric.ed.gov/?id=ED277147