Without doubt, middle grades students (ages 10-15) can be misunderstood, misguided, and even maddening. But they can also be magnificent—and that’s the message for March, 2013: National Middle Level Education Month. This month, we will work with NASSP, the association for Middle Level Education, and the National Forum to Accelerate Middle-Grades Reform to promote middle-level education.

We encourage you to use the resources below throughout the year. After all, our aim is to continually develop and maintain supportive public attitudes toward middle-level education during every month of the year.

NAESP is pleased to provide the following materials:

• H. Res 100, Supporting the goals and ideals of National Middle Level Education Month; introduced by Rep Raul Grijalva (D-AZ), and supported by NAESP, NASSP, the Association for Middle Level Education, and the National Forum to Accelerate Middle-Grades Reform. [PDF version]
• Ideas for celebrating National Middle Level Education Month.
• A sample letter to inform parents of the month.
• Background information and talking points for speaking and writing about middle-level education.
• Articles from Principal Magazine’s Ten to Teen department, addressing the unique needs of middle schools:
  • "Moving to the Middle: Keys for Success." 
    Nancy Flatt Meador, NAESP President-elect, reflects on the unique challenges of leading a middle school.
  • "Brain Changes From Tween to Teen." 
    The middle schooler's brain is buzzing with neurochemical changes. Richard M. Marshall and Sharon Neuman explore these changes and offer advice for principals to build relationships with adolescents.
  • "Spirit Makes a Difference." 
    Maine princial Linda Bleile explains how her school leverages its positive climate to engage with middle-level students.
  • "Eliminating the D."
    Tracey Severns shares how she turned her school around by reinforcing that failure wasn't an option.
  • "Where Have All the Parents Gone?"
    NAESP President Mark Terry examines how schools can encourage middle-level parents to stay involved.
  • "Trust and Respect at the Middle Level."
    Two educators explore how middle school leaders can build a foundation of trust, responsibility, and respect for diversity.
• Selected reports and studies focusing on middle-level education.
• National programs that middle schools can participate in during the month of March.