Articles tagged with Middle School
The Couper-Owens Center for Community Schools has received a $1 million gift, enabling the center to continue and expand its mission to improve student outcomes in community schools. The center builds partnerships with schools, community organizations, and families to provide social-emotional support, food, and housing assistance.
The grant will support research on AI tools that can generate interactive narratives effective at engaging K-12 students and improving learning. Researchers will develop self-improving systems, emerging narrative generation technologies, and agency-centered learning approaches.
A global study of 68 specialist music programs across 25 countries reveals a spectrum of approaches to supporting musically gifted children. The research highlights the need for balancing artistic excellence with genuine care for children, with some programs prioritizing institutional prestige over child well-being.
A new study published in Psychological Medicine suggests that good sleep quality is more important than screen time for helping adolescents succeed in school and maintain healthy friendships. Healthy sleep habits explained a substantial portion of the relationship between mental health symptoms and school performance.
A new study published in Nutrition Reviews identified popular menu items high in sodium and sugar, providing a starting point for creating healthier menus. School officials can use these findings to develop recipes that adhere to updated guidelines while still serving students' favorite foods.
The e-BOCCHI program, developed to address adolescent loneliness, showed statistically significant reductions in depressive symptoms. Participants demonstrated improvements in help-seeking skills compared to baseline, but modest improvements in loneliness and self-esteem scores.
A new UMaine study identifies strategies to make outdoor education accessible to all schools, highlighting the importance of community support and collaboration among staff. The research builds on previous work by Lauren Jacobs, who examined successful models in rural Maine schools.
A study by Penn State researchers found that coaching parents of preschool children improved their child's skills through seventh grade, resulting in fewer conduct problems and higher cognitive skills. The program, REDI, provided play-based instructional aids to support parent-child interactions.
Researchers argue that childhood behaviors are being pathologized, and instead propose addressing the root causes of psychological distress by reforming education and mental health systems. They advocate for a more collaborative approach, trusting children and families to define themselves and co-construct their support needs.
A study of over 20,000 South Australian students found that wellbeing declined across every measured domain, including happiness and life satisfaction, after transitioning to secondary school. The decline was independent of developmental changes associated with adolescence.
A study of Finnish special needs and special class teachers found that data processing, statistics, and probability are under-taught areas, mirroring trends in the US. The researchers emphasize the need for stronger teacher preparation, ongoing professional development, and support to ensure effective strategies are used consistently.
A new study reveals teachers tend to provide regular support to students they've previously helped, rather than targeting all students equally. This finding highlights the need for AI-powered tools that can help teachers track their interactions and allocate time effectively.
A University of Kansas scholar argues that history standards are prone to politicization, which can lead to a lack of understanding of historical events and people. In contrast, states like Kansas and Maine's 'minimalism' approach focuses on high-level concepts and guiding principles rather than specific content recommendations.
A landmark study highlights the stability of STEM teacher qualifications and turnover rates in high-need schools, with some improvement in credential alignment. However, gaps in subject-specific qualifications remain, and compensation structures are insufficient to address financial pressures.
A new study by Doshisha University found that teachers' deliberate actions at the start of a lesson, such as responding to the school bell, can create social tightness or looseness. Teachers who enforced strict rules and verbal prompts maintained tightness, while those with more relaxed approaches created loose occasions for students.
A groundbreaking longitudinal study reveals that peer influence is specialized, with best friends primarily shaping internal emotional states and academic behaviors, while popular peers set the standard for public image and social media engagement. The findings suggest that adolescents use different mental calculations to navigate thei...
A national report found that education workers are exposed to traumatic levels of violence and psychological harm, with many considering leaving the profession due to stress. The report highlights widespread under-reporting and ineffective institutional responses.
The article explores how Middle Eastern education systems adapt to global models while maintaining local cultures. It highlights the challenges of policy borrowing, teacher learning communities, and classroom critiques of test-driven systems in the region. The studies show that education is an ongoing negotiation, shaping identity, equ...
A new study reveals a Chinese-style STEM model successfully integrates subject areas to cultivate innovation and practical skills, benefiting all students without increasing burden. The Deep Integration Teaching Model, developed by Shanghai Jing'an Education College, offers a replicable blueprint for schools worldwide.
A Michigan State University study found that unstructured digital media use contributes to digital skills, which are strong predictors of performance across academic domains. However, the study also highlights a significant gender gap, with boys experiencing substantially larger benefits from digital media use.
A new study shows that higher levels of hope are linked to reduced bullying and cyberbullying, with students with more hope being less likely to engage in these behaviors. Strengthening hope could be a powerful strategy in preventing bullying by helping young people build resilience and invest in their futures.
A large-scale program in Turkey reduced disciplinary problems and improved academic achievement among disadvantaged middle school students. The program's success was attributed to buy-in from challenging adolescents who crave status and social recognition.
A new longitudinal study from Florida Atlantic University finds that students who exhibit off-putting behaviors are at elevated risk of antagonizing others and becoming involved in enemy relationships. Emotional reactivity and poor school performance are also strong predictors of later participation in an enemy relationship.
The American Heart Association and the National Football League are awarding $1,000 grants to support physical activity in local schools. The grants aim to encourage students to move for at least 60 minutes each day through the NFL PLAY 60 app, available on iOS and Android devices.
Research from 2008-2020 shows an increase in emotional/mental health and suicide prevention in schools, but a decrease in substance use prevention, particularly among middle schools. This shift highlights the need for targeted teacher training and resource allocation to address emerging trends in school mental health.
The American Heart Association partnered with the Tennessee Titans to provide CPR and automated external defibrillator (AED) training to 20 Nashville schools. The training aims to support the chain of survival and increase the community's preparedness in case of cardiac emergencies.
The New York Jets and American Heart Association trained representatives from 12 local schools in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and automated external defibrillator (AED) techniques. This partnership aims to improve cardiac emergency outcomes and increase the chances of survival for those experiencing cardiac arrest.
The University of Missouri's College of Education and Human Development is giving free online training and coaching to 110 middle school teachers in rural Missouri. The goal is to create a safe learning environment, with the potential to reduce stressors for teachers and improve student engagement.
A new study by Florida Atlantic University finds that maternal disapproval of children's friends damages their standing among peers, exacerbating behavior problems. Mothers who meddle in their child's friendships inadvertently worsen their behavior issues.
A cross-sectional study found that school districts using virtual learning during the pandemic had substantially higher chronic absenteeism rates compared to those with in-person learning. The study highlights the need for policymakers to develop strategies to reduce chronic absenteeism and utilize virtual learning effectively.
A new Drexel University study reveals that dance and movement therapy (DMT) can foster empathy, positive peer relationships, and cultural self-efficacy among middle school students. The program, developed by Nalini Prakash, aimed to address ethnic bullying and promote cross-cultural connections.
A new study from the University of Illinois found that adolescents and their mothers preferred specific locations for discussing problems, with the house in general, bedroom, kitchen, and living room being top choices. These environments were perceived as safe spaces where conversation could flow more easily. Families also considered e...
A recent study published in ScienceDirect found that adolescents who receive cognitive reappraisal solutions from their mothers experience more adaptive coping strategies, whereas those who receive strategizing or help-seeking solutions do not. On the other hand, children who reject or respond ambiguously to their mother's cognitive re...
A recent study by Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research found that parents in low-income families support their children equally regardless of grades. In contrast, parents from higher income groups tend to give more support to children with lower grades. This suggests that these patterns may contribute to low social mobility.
A study of 8,988 preadolescent children found a significant link between tobacco product use and an increased risk of suicide attempts among elementary school-aged children. The findings suggest that emerging tobacco products are also associated with this increased risk, emphasizing the need for preventive policies.
A new USC study found that Americans are united on core principles of public education, but diverge on sensitive topics like LGBTQ+ inclusion and racial justice in K-12 curricula. The survey revealed deep partisan divides, with Democrats generally supporting teaching controversial topics, while Republicans were less supportive.
A new study found that adolescents and young adults with cognitive disabilities had a higher prevalence of nicotine vaping compared to those without disabilities. Major depressive episodes were also associated with an increased risk of vaping in this population.
A recent study found that Oregon middle school students received office discipline referrals for substance use offenses 30% more often after recreational marijuana legalization. Schools with nearby marijuana outlets showed the most significant increase in ODRs.
A new study by Florida Atlantic University found that adolescents who lack traits valued by peers are at risk for adjustment difficulties. The study revealed that low attractive youth and low athletic youth became increasingly unpopular over time, leading to subsequent increases in their loneliness and alcohol misuse.
Researchers create interactive web-based game 'Fantasy Sports and Mathematics Game' to improve math skills among middle school age youth. The game uses real-life sports player statistics to engage students in building math knowledge and competencies.
A new study found that homophobic name-calling, even from friends, has a negative impact on teenagers' mental health, including depressive symptoms and decreased sense of belonging. The research highlights the importance of clear anti-bullying policies, teacher education, and supportive interventions to prevent such behavior.
A University of Pittsburgh study found that TV medical dramas prompted middle schoolers to engage in discussion about vaping dangers after viewing clips featuring fictional adolescents with vaping-associated lung disease. The study suggests using entertainment television as a tool for dialogue about the health effects of e-cigarette use.
A new UH study reveals that third-grade girls are initially enthusiastic about coding and computer science, with equal interest and confidence as boys. However, by middle school age, negative stereotypes and a decrease in confidence among girls become prevalent, limiting their participation in these fields.
A new study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences documents the dynamic nature of student discipline during an academic year. Schools with high racial disparity see discipline rates for Black students increase faster as the semester continues.
Research from the University of Kansas shows that families in Washington D.C.'s school choice policy are making choices that perpetuate segregation. Despite having more opportunities for integration, white families are returning to city centers and using tactics such as gaming the lottery system to secure spots in desirable schools.
A new study finds that Latinx students experienced higher rates of depression and anxiety during the Covid-19 pandemic, with a risk of 1.5 to 2 times more likely than their peers. The study highlights the need for practical and efficacious programs to address the mental health needs of adolescents in school settings.
A new study found that LGBTQ+ school clubs, particularly those with strong advocacy efforts, can reduce disparities in depressive symptoms between LGBQ+ and heterosexual students. The study suggests that GSA-led advocacy activities can promote well-being among LGBTQ+ youth across the wider school population.
A study by Rice University found that students in classes taught by STEM teachers who received professional development training were more likely to pursue STEM majors in college. Black female students showed the greatest increase, with nearly double the percentage of non-AMP! teachers.
Researchers found that children with fewer friends are more susceptible to influence from partners who have more friends, promoting compatibility and reducing dissimilarity. Conformity helps preserve existing friendships by strengthening similarities and reducing potential sources of conflict.
USC researchers found that music education benefits adolescents' wellbeing, boosting hopes for the future and positive development. Younger students received musical training scored higher in key measures of positive youth development.
Researchers aim to understand how school-based sealant programs affect children's teeth in middle school, building on previous studies showing effectiveness in elementary schools. The goal is to estimate the impact of increasing middle-school-based sealant programs on children's oral health.
A study found that students who moved to a new school location reported significantly less delinquency after the shift, with fewer delinquent friends and less unstructured socializing. The transition to a new academic setting might reduce levels of juvenile delinquency in the long run.
A three-year study found that librarian-teacher co-teaching significantly facilitates learner-centered instruction, such as maker learning and inquiry learning, across all levels of schools. School librarians played a crucial role in making these individualized learning opportunities possible by using various instructional methods.
A University of Illinois study examines how mothers' emotional involvement helps youth cope with peer stressors during middle school. The research reveals that youth who experience positive mother-child interactions and high maternal affect are more likely to engage in active coping strategies.
A new $1.25 million NIH grant provides teaching resources and professional development for middle school teachers to boost disciplinary literacy skills and interest in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) subjects. The program aims to help traditionally underrepresented groups feel confident about potential careers in STEM.
A study by TUM confirms that physically fit primary school pupils perform better in terms of concentration and health-related quality of life. The results show a positive correlation between physical fitness, concentration, and overall well-being.
A University at Buffalo-led study recommends culturally relevant policies and practices to promote a safe environment for Black students. Interventions include co-creating school rules, mindfulness programs, and anti-bias training to address discipline disparities and bias.
A new study found that e-cigarette policies in US middle and high schools are not effective without staff training on implementing such policies. Staff who received training were more likely to recognize JUUL devices and intervene in student e-cigarette use, highlighting the need for additional support.
Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory discovered how microparticles can change direction when an electric stimulus is interrupted and reapplied with the same orientation. This emergent behavior has potential applications in microfluidic pumps for biomedical, chemical, and electronics applications.
Researchers identified that 10% of students were recognized as relationally aggressive by peers but not teachers. Students with higher levels of academic competence and female students were more likely to be recognized by both groups. The study suggests that better identification of these students is crucial for effective interventions.