National Middle School Association continues to strengthen its commitment to young adolescents and those who serve them. Our association is growing, with 30,000 individual and institutional members representing more than 200,000 teachers, principals, central office personnel, professors, college students, parents, community leaders, and educational consultants in the United States, Canada, and 50 other countries. NMSA is providing exciting, high-quality publications, professional development, Web-based resources, and advocacy at the international, national, state, and local levels, improving learning experiences for middle level students.

During this year NMSA saw its advocacy work gain momentum with bills introduced in both houses of Congress for the Success in the Middle Act. This legislation seeks to provide significant funding focused on grades five through eight for school improvement; professional development; support for students; and the generation, dissemination, and application of research needed to identify and implement effective practices that lead to continual student learning and high academic achievement. We still need to educate and motivate to build the grassroots support necessary for this legislation to become law.

In addition, NMSA is advancing efforts to collaborate with the Learning First Alliance, National Adolescent Literacy Coalition, National Forum to Accelerate Middle Grades Reform, National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education, Action for Healthy Kids, and Alliance for Curriculum Reform. NMSA also recognizes and appreciates the important role its 58 affiliate associations play in advancing quality education at the middle level.

This year NMSA celebrated both the wonderful service and accomplishments of Sue Swaim, NMSA’s executive director since 1993, and the introduction of its new executive director, Betty Edwards. Betty brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to NMSA, complimenting the work of the board of trustees and association staff to continue striving to make a difference for everyone involved in middle level education.

NMSA is strong, healthy, and growing. This annual report to the membership reflects the sincere commitment of National Middle School Association to help you provide the best possible education for every young adolescent.

Sincerely yours,

Mike Dietz
2007 NMSA President