National Middle School Association - Helping You Achieve Successful Schools for Young Adolescents

In an effort to strengthen middle level education and increase high school graduation rates, Congressman Raúl Grijalva (D-AZ) and Sen. Jack Reed (D-RI) have reintroduced the Success in the Middle Act (H.R. 3006/S. 1362). A key feature of the act is the authorization of $1 billion annually for grants to local school districts to improve low-performing schools that contain middle grades.

Read the senate and house letters of support from NMSA and other national and state organizations.
Read key information about the Success in the Middle Act.

Make your voice heard now! Contact your members of Congress to educate them about the importance of middle grades and urge them to co-sponsor the Act.

Quote of the Week

"Young adolescents are grappling with complex issues; to assume they are only trivial thinkers does them a grave disservice."
—Mark Springer, Soundings

News and Headlines

Attention Indiana Educators
The Indiana Department of Education has approved a waiver for November 6, 2009, for all middle schools to allow for staff attendance at NMSA09 - 36th NMSA Annual Conference & Exhibit.

Teams That Make A Difference 2009 winners
NMSA and Pearson recognize the 2009 award winners. Grand prize winning team will present a session at NMSA's 36th Annual Conference (NMSA09).

Role of middle grades in dropout prevention
A new report by Dr. Robert Balfanz shares key policy and practice implications of the role middle grades play in achieving our national goal of graduating all students from high school prepared for college, career, and civic life.

Teaching and administrative positions at the middle level
Post or search for a job in middle grades education. View sample interview questions and listen to informative podcasts featuring interview tips for principals and teachers.

Get connected, visit NMSA09 Conference Connections
A new online feature that extends the rich experience of the annual conference beyond the three days on-site. This year educators can make a world of difference by connecting with like-minded colleagues around the world.

NMSA is now on Twitter
For everyone who uses Twitter, you can now follow NMSA News and Headlines @Twitter. http://twitter.com/NMSAnews

Middle School Portal 2: Math & Science Pathways (MSP2)
MSP2 is the social network and professional learning site specifically for middle grades math and science teachers.

This We Know: NMSA Washington Update
Update on Stimulus Funds. Updated May 8, 2009.

Help youth realize their American dream
$aving Our Futures is a free online financial responsibility program for young people.

Landmark National Service Legislation Signed
President Obama signed into law a sweeping expansion of national service that will engage millions of Americans in addressing local needs through volunteer service.

Title I/ARRA Resources

Title I/ARRA Resources
NMSA has the programs and resources to help you increase student achievement through school improvement.
Read More ...

Featured Events

Institute for Middle
Level Leadership
Registration Still Open
Santa Ana Pueblo, NM
July 12-15, 2009
-Florida Sold Out-
Ft. Lauderdale, FL
July 19-22, 2009

Middle Level
Promise and Practice
Moorhead, Minnesota
August 5, 2009
Speakers:
Mark McCleod
Monte Selby

NMSA09 - 36th Annual
Conference & Exhibit
Indianapolis, IN
November 5-7, 2009
Keynote Speakers
Daniel Pink
Rick Wormeli
Registration Open!

NMSA Podcast

Listen Online

The Students
are SOAR-ing
Classroom teacher Kim Campbell talks about the SOAR program. This program has been used at Kim's school to help deal with the achievement gap. Hear practical ways to introduce SOAR and concrete examples of the program's effectiveness.
Listen to previous episodes.

School Improvement

School Improvement Toolkit
A tested, research based comprehensive approach to school improvement.

Launch Toolkit Video