National Symposium on Middle Level Education:
Where Do We Go From Here?

Wednesday, September 20, 2006
Hyatt Regency on Capitol Hill, Washington, DC

This day-long symposium, hosted by National Middle School Association (NMSA), the Alliance for Excellent Education (AEE), and the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) focused on the needs of middle level students. The event included four panels that addressed middle grades culture, instructional supports, policy, and middle schools that work. Common themes emerged throughout the day including the need for specifically prepared middle level teachers and administrators, focused professional development, continued middle level research, addressing the literacy needs of this age group, and overcoming the "knowing/doing gap" that exists today in regard to educating 10- through 14-year-olds. Participants agreed this was an important event in helping policymakers, especially those at the federal level, focus on middle level education.

View the video of this event.