WORKING TOGETHER
Harnessing Community Resources
to Improve Middle Schools

Schools with a commitment to middle school reform are likely to incorporate some or all of these characteristics:

• Recognition of distinct developmental and educational needs of young adolescents
  
  
• Focus on students' long-term success in education and work
  
  
• Challenging, content-rich curriculum, with interesting themes tying the different subject areas together
  
  
• High expectations for all students, clearly articulated by schools and teachers through standards or other methods
  
  
• Collaboration and communication among teachers and parents
  
  
• Strong commitment to continuous training for teachers and other staff