Transitioning to middle school
A study found that an intervention increasing sense of social belonging reduced disciplinary incidents, failing grades and absences by 34%, 18% and 12%, respectively among middle-school students.
Middle School
Articles tagged with Middle School
Study shows power of refocusing student stress in middle school transition
A new study by University of Wisconsin-Madison researchers finds that proactively addressing students' anxieties with reassuring classroom activities can lead to higher grades, better attendance, and fewer behavioral problems. The intervention boosts students' sense of belonging and reduces fears about fitting in.
Teens sleep longer, are more alert for homework when school starts later
Middle and high school students slept 31 minutes longer and felt less sleepy for homework after their school district changed to later start times. The study found significant benefits of delayed school start times on adolescent sleep duration, alertness, and academic engagement.
Positive aspects of masculinity helps improve boys' attitudes toward relationship violence
A pilot program focusing on positive expressions of masculinity improved middle school boys' attitudes toward relationship violence, reducing beliefs that coercion and violence are acceptable. The 'Reducing Sexism and Violence Program - Middle School Program' also taught empathy, healthy relationships and bystander intervention skills.
AAAS IF/THEN ambassadors to connect STEM women role models with middle school girls
The AAAS IF/THEN Ambassadors program connects U.S.-based women in STEM careers with middle school girls, promoting diversity and inclusion. The initiative highlights the variety of STEM professions available, drawing from a coalition of science, education, and entertainment organizations.
Illinois researchers to implement, study STEM program for high school, middle schools
The University of Illinois is launching a 3-year program to improve diversity in STEM fields through targeted support for school counselors and year-round STEM experiences. The program aims to increase diversity among underrepresented groups, with partnerships from various organizations. By providing additional resources and support, t...
Meditation enhances social-emotional learning in middle school students
A new study found that middle school students practicing meditation as part of a Quiet Time program showed significant improvements in social-emotional competencies and psychological distress. The study demonstrated the value of such programs in enhancing social-emotional learning and mental health in middle school students.
Cardiovascular screenings uncover diabetes, high cholesterol in middle schoolers
A pilot study reveals that over a third of middle school kids had abnormal blood sugar or cholesterol levels. Two students were found to have diabetes, highlighting the need for routine screening in this age group.
White math teachers treat students differently in predominantly black schools
A Rutgers study found that white math teachers in predominantly black middle schools responded more negatively to students' behavioral and academic issues. This can lead to long-term negative consequences for student performance and highlights the need for targeted recruitment of black teachers.
Kids connect with robot reading partners
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison created a robot named Minnie to serve as a reading buddy to middle school kids, resulting in increased excitement about books and attachment to the robot. The study showed that social learning through interaction with the robot improved comprehension and motivation for reading.
Future tech leaders...start your engines!
Lehigh University, TE Connectivity, and Broughal Middle School collaborate to promote STEM education through a manufacturing course and annual expo. The program benefits students from both institutions, providing hands-on experience with engineering techniques and industry partnerships.
Web-based program may help address underage drinking
A new study found that a brief, web-based program is effective in delaying drinking initiation among female ninth-grade students. The program was more effective than traditional education when combined with personalized feedback.
Most PA students tobacco-free, but vaping and cigarette use still a concern
According to Penn State researchers, most PA high school and middle school students are tobacco-free, but e-cigarette and cigarette use remain a cause for concern. The survey found that 4.3% of middle schoolers and 22.4% of high schoolers reported using tobacco products in the past 30 days.
Personalized curriculum captures students' imagination, interest
Middle school students who used personalized DNA and genealogy learned as much as their peers who used case studies. The curriculum encouraged students to explore their personal histories and cultures, fostering engagement with science and promoting understanding of complex topics like race and genetics.
Cooperative learning aids in preventing alcohol use in rural middle schools
A new study found that cooperative learning significantly reduced students' association with deviant peers and growth in alcohol use among middle schoolers. By increasing students' contacts with prosocial youths, cooperative learning helps interrupt the tendency for socially marginalized students to cluster into groups of deviant peers.
Culturally tailored obesity intervention a success for hispanic students
A UH-led research found that Hispanic middle school students who worked with high school health mentors, called compañeros, lost significantly more weight and kept it off longer. After six months, 80% of students with compañeros decreased or maintained their BMI, compared to 64% without.
Alkaline soil, sensible sensor
Researchers developed a portable x-ray fluorescence spectrometry (PXRF) device to measure calcium levels in soils. The device provides accurate data on 20 elements in 60 seconds, improving field assessments for soil scientists.
Students of all races feel safer in ethnically diverse middle schools, UCLA study says
Middle school students from diverse backgrounds report feeling safer and less lonely in ethnically diverse classrooms. Researchers found that students in diverse schools showed more tolerance and less prejudice towards peers of other ethnicities. The study highlights the benefits of diversity on personal and social well-being.
Students of all races & ethnicities benefit from ethnically diverse middle schools
A new study found that students in ethnically diverse middle schools report better self-reported well-being and views on race, particularly when exposed to different ethnic groups in their academic classes. The researchers emphasized the importance of class placement to reap the social benefits of school diversity.
Believing the system is fair predicts worsening self-esteem and behavior for youth
A study led by NYU's Steinhardt School found that believing the system is fair predicts lower self-esteem, risky behaviors, and decreased classroom attention in middle school students. This reversal occurs over time as youth become more aware of structural barriers and inequities.
AASM position: Delaying middle school, high school start times is beneficial to students
A new AASM position statement recommends starting schools at 8:30 a.m. or later to optimize daytime alertness, reduce tardiness, and support peak academic performance. This delay is associated with improved mental health, driving safety, and reduced depressive symptoms.
Boys secure in their racial identity seek more diverse friendships
A University of Michigan study found that middle school boys who feel secure about their race are more likely to form diverse friendships. The researchers discovered that these boys tend to have more clarity about their ethnicity or race, which leads to greater friendship diversity.
Youth financial literacy program receives financial boost
The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture's 'On My Own' financial literacy program has received a $75,000 grant from the SunTrust Foundation to expand its reach in Tennessee. The program aims to provide middle school and high school students with essential skills such as creating a budget, reading a paycheck, and understandi...
Lemelson-MIT program announces 42 InvenTeam grantees
The Lemelson-MIT Program announced the award of 42 Junior Varsity (JV) InvenTeam grants to promote STEM education among middle and high school students. The initiative provides invention-based activity guides, professional development, and hands-on materials to enhance science, technology, engineering, and mathematics learning.
Sexual harassment common among middle school children, study finds
A recent study by University of Illinois researcher Dorothy L. Espelage found that nearly half of middle school students reported experiencing verbal sexual harassment, with 43% saying they were targeted in the past year. The study also revealed that students who dismissed their experiences with sexual harassment were more likely to pe...
Tests show BioEYES increases science understanding and positive attitudes
A five-year study found BioEYES significantly improves elementary, middle school, and high school students' science knowledge and positive attitudes towards science. The program increased students' ability to imagine themselves as scientists, with the greatest effect on attitude changes among younger students.
Chapman University Research looks at e-cigarette use by Orange County Teens
A Chapman University study finds that Orange County adolescents are more likely to vape when their school is located near e-cigarette specialty retailers. The study also reveals a high prevalence of e-cigarette use among local teens, with 27.5% of high school students having tried e-cigarettes.
School environment key to retaining teachers, promoting student achievement, study finds
A new study from Brown University finds that schools with collaborative relationships, safe environments, and high expectations outperform those without these elements. Improving school climate can help retain teachers and improve student achievement in math.
Do teachers' climate change beliefs influence students?
A North Carolina State University study found that teachers' beliefs about climate change affect students' perceptions, with 92% of students mirroring their teacher's belief in global warming. However, students diverge from their teachers when it comes to understanding the human causes of climate change.
Successful mentoring programs begin with focus, training
A University of Houston study found that 'intentionally brief' middle school mentoring programs increased math and English grades, as well as life satisfaction and reduced absences. The program provided mentor training and utilized social science theories to support student outcomes.
Moms, you think babies are tough? Wait until middle school
A study by Arizona State University researchers found that middle school years are a challenging time for mothers, with increased stress and depression. The authors suggest two interventions to minimize mother's stress: early information dissemination and ongoing support.
Students with influence over peers reduce school bullying by 30 percent
Researchers found that students who are socially influential can shape their peers' behaviors and social norms, leading to a 30% reduction in student conflict reports. The Roots program, which engages these student influencers in spreading anti-conflict messages, is a promising solution to curb school bullying.
Middle schoolers may benefit academically from extracurricular activities
A new study by NYU's Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development found that participating in extracurricular activities can be protective for low-income youth academically. Community engagement and sports were the most highly associated with better academic performance, while school-based activities had little effect.
Study: 'Guilting' teens into exercise won't increase activity
A new study by University of Georgia researchers found that middle-schoolers who feel pressured into exercising are less likely to engage in physical activity. The study suggests that children are more likely to identify with exercise when they feel in control of their choices.
Researchers find Massachusetts schools are improving food options
Researchers found that Massachusetts school food regulations led to significant improvements in competitive foods and beverages, with middle school compliance rising from 13% to 69% and high school compliance increasing from 28% to 80%. The study suggests that states can successfully implement similar standards nationwide.
Study shows cognitive training can improve brain performance of students in poverty
A study published in Frontiers in Human Neuroscience found that cognitive training can improve the brain performance of middle school students from poverty-stricken backgrounds. The program, called SMART, resulted in a 25% increase in gist reasoning and an 18% improvement in fact retention among students who received the training.
Two studies, 2 editorials put focus on school breakfasts, lunches
Two studies published in JAMA Pediatrics examine the impact of school breakfast programs on children's eating habits and academic performance. One study found that schools offering Breakfast in the Classroom (BIC) had higher participation in the national school breakfast program and attendance, but no differences in math or reading ach...
Small fraction of students attended schools with USDA nutrition components
According to a study, schools with all five USDA nutritional components were attended by only 1.8% and 0.3% of middle and high school students. The study found that having fruits or vegetables available, absence of higher-fat milk, and three or more standard components were associated with lower odds of overweight/obesity.
Cyberbullying increases as students age
A recent study published in School Psychology Quarterly found that cyberbullying increases with age, especially during transitions from elementary to middle school. The research highlights the importance of targeted interventions to address gender- and culturally sensitive bullying prevention strategies.
It's Your Game ... Keep It Real reduces dating violence among minority youth
A study published in the American Journal of Public Health found that It's Your Game…Keep it Real significantly reduced dating violence behaviors among minority youth. The program delayed sexual behavior and promoted healthy relationships, resulting in lower rates of physical and emotional victimization and perpetration.
Violence intervention program effective in Vanderbilt pilot study
A targeted violence intervention program was found to reduce violent behavior and increase competencies to deal with violence among middle school students. The program showed a significant decrease in violent behavior and victimization rates, with students reporting 'never' getting beaten up or threatened with a gun.
Most students exposed to school-based food commercialism
A study by Yvonne Terry-McElrath and colleagues found that most elementary, middle, and high school students are exposed to food commercialism at school. The percentage of schools with exclusive beverage contracts decreased from 2007 to 2012, but fast food remained available in many schools.
How peers influence teens' interest in studying math and science
Psychology researcher Nilanjana Dasgupta aims to identify solutions to the 'leaky pipeline' issue, where women and minorities lose interest in STEM subjects. The study explores classroom dynamics and peer relationships to enhance STEM teaching practices and attract more girls and students of color.
Cross-ethnic friendships in urban middle schools make youths feel less vulnerable, safer
A new study found that cross-ethnic friendships in urban middle schools help youths feel less vulnerable and safer. This research suggests that diverse classrooms with opportunities for students from different ethnic groups to interact can lead to reduced loneliness and victimization.
Solar and lithium ion car race winners announced
The U.S. Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) hosted a car competition for 97 Colorado schools, with teams racing solar and lithium ion powered vehicles designed and built by students. The 'Sweet and Sassy' team from Woodlands Academy took top honors in the solar design category.
Middle-schoolers discover novel chemical bond
Four talented Dedham students from Maine's Aspirnaut science-outreach program have made a groundbreaking discovery about a novel chemical bond in animal tissues. This bond is essential for the genesis of animal tissues and has been found to be present in another lineage of multicellular organisms, highlighting its evolutionary importance.
New Think Elephants International research reveals how elephants 'see' the world
A new study by Think Elephants International reveals that elephants are not able to recognize visual cues provided by humans, despite being more responsive to vocal commands. This finding has significant implications for future protection protocols and conservation efforts for endangered elephants.
Outdoor education helps minority students close gap in environmental literacy
A North Carolina State University study found that outdoor education programs significantly improved environmental literacy among minority students. The research showed that time spent outdoors had a positive impact on African-American and Hispanic students, leading to better ecological knowledge and cognitive skills.
Dating in middle school leads to higher dropout, drug-use rates
Research from the University of Georgia found that middle school students who date are four times more likely to drop out and report higher substance use. Teachers reported better study skills among those who never or rarely dated during this period.
Students with strong hearts and lungs may make better grades, study finds
Research at the American Psychological Association's convention found that cardiorespiratory fitness is a significant factor in middle school students' academic performance. Students who are physically fit scored higher on reading and math tests, with social support also playing a role for boys.
Middle school boys who are reluctant readers value reading more after using e-readers
A new study by Southern Methodist University found that middle school boys who used e-readers rated reading more valuable as an activity, but girls struggled with motivation. The study, which included Amazon's Kindle e-reader, showed that boys improved their attitudes towards reading after using the e-readers.
Middle school teachers, students stay after school to work on science, engineering projects
A three-year project called Studio STEM provides middle school students with inquiry-based after-school programs that integrate engineering design activities. The program aims to equip youth with essential skills for the 21st-century workplace, including digital modeling, social media, and game development tools.
After-school program can reduce alcohol use among middle school students, study finds
A new study by the RAND Corporation suggests that a voluntary after-school program focusing on substance use can help middle school-aged children avoid alcohol. The CHOICE program, presented in five 30-minute sessions, was found to reduce alcohol use among all students at intervention schools.
Study suggests junk food in schools doesn't cause weight gain among children
A recent study published by the American Sociological Association found that junk food sales in schools did not lead to an increase in weight gain among children between fifth and eighth grades. Despite a significant increase in junk food availability, obesity rates actually decreased during this period.
NC State, NSF project to boost computer science knowledge through gaming
A new video game aims to improve middle school students' computer science knowledge, addressing a shortage of skilled workers in the field. The project, funded by $1 million from NSF, incorporates engaging elements to attract girls and other underrepresented groups.
Underage drinking among close friends high indicator of future alcohol use by black teens
A USC study finds that black middle school students whose close friends drink alcohol are more likely to drink themselves, with a significant risk factor identified for future alcohol use. Researchers suggest special prevention programs may benefit this group.
Profanity in TV and video games linked to teen aggression
A new study published in Pediatrics found that exposure to profanity in media can lead to increased physical and relational aggression in adolescents. The research suggests that profanity can act as a stepping stone, reducing inhibitions about using profanity and increasing aggressive behavior.
$3.6 million nursing research project promotes exercise for girls
A new program aims to increase physical activity among middle school girls, particularly those from low socioeconomic backgrounds. The Girls on the Move project will expand its successful pilot program to more schools, targeting girls' physical health and well-being.
School intervention may improve kids' heart health long term
A four-year school intervention in Michigan improved middle school students' cholesterol levels and resting heart rates, reducing obesity-related health risks. The program goals included eating more fruits and vegetables, getting at least 150 minutes of physical activity, and spending less time in front of screens.
Teens who feel responsible to their parents are more engaged in school
A new longitudinal study found that children who feel more responsible to their parents stay engaged in school and perform better. The study, conducted in the US and China, suggests that parents should communicate to teenagers the importance of acting responsibly as they enter middle school.