The Middle School Model and Successful Middle School Program
AMLE believes that the true middle school is one that has been planned and organized to address the developmental and cultural needs of students of ages 10 to 14, generally including grades 5-8. We articulate this middle school model through the publication of our landmark position paper, The Successful Middle School: This We Believe, now in its fifth edition.
Implementing the Middle School Model
AMLE’s core mission as a non-profit membership association is to help schools actualize the successful middle school in their own communities. We work toward that mission through The Successful Middle School Program, a comprehensive set of tools and resources for educators, school, and districts. Not sure where to start? Connect with Katie Powell, AMLE Director for Middle Level Programs.
The Book Study
A team book study of The Successful Middle School provides a participatory and reflective deep dive into the foundational text. Build a cohesive vision for your school improvement journey and align professional development with the needs of your school.
Prefer to conduct your own study? AMLE Members enjoy exclusive access to the self-directed study guide.
The Online Courses
The Successful Middle School Course Series explores each of these essential attributes and characteristics through 21 self-paced, virtual modules with exercises and reflections throughout.
The Assessment
Driven by research-based exemplars, AMLE’s holistic school assessment helps gauge your implementation of middle grades best practices. Led by an AMLE coach, schools receive a comprehensive report that includes analysis, recommendations, and actionable next steps.
The AMLE Schools of Distinction Program
A recognition and continuous improvement program that is open to any school, anywhere in the world, that educates students aged 10-15. Schools are be supported with AMLE resources and celebrated for their commitment to middle grades best practices.
Explore the Middle School Model
Based on forty years of research on educating young adolescents, the following five essential attributes characterize the successful middle school.
Successful middle schools exhibit these essential attributes through a series of 18 Characteristics that are interdependent and grouped by three overarching categories:
The Successful Middle School Program Over the Years
Now in its fifth edition, AMLE’s landmark position paper, The Successful Middle School: This We Believe is recognized as the best articulation of the middle school model. Since it was first published in 1982, middle school educators have relied on the text to build high-performing school communities using the 5 Essential Attributes and 18 Characteristics.
Learn More
Want more information about the middle school model or how to use the Successful Middle School Program in your school? Contact Katie Powell, AMLE Director for Middle Level Programs at kpowell@amle.org.