Advocating for the Middle Grades

With a growing body of science emphasizing the profound and consequential nature of early adolescence, now is the time to act on the promise of the middle school years.

All 10-15 year olds deserve schools that help them become competent and confident individuals who feel a sense of agency, are proud of who they are, are optimistic about their future, feel connected to those around them, and are prepared to succeed in our ever-changing world. Yet as a nation we invest fewer dollars in the middle years than on any other age group.

That’s why AMLE has released a National Policy Agenda for the Middle Grades and its initial Seven Federal Policy Priorities.

As the oldest and largest organization of its kind, AMLE and its community of members 35,000 strong is uniquely positioned to lead this work. To accomplish these ambitious goals, AMLE seeks the support of educators, district and state education leaders, along with policy makers who recognize the opportunity of the middle grades. Together, we can flip the narrative of the middle grades to recognize our students’ full potential.

Regardless of your position, years of experience, school setting, or level of comfort advocating, you have an important role to play in this work. Explore the resources and opportunities below and get started today!

What Can You Do?

Be Informed

Sign up for the Advocacy Updates Newsletter, explore the AMLE Advocacy Toolkit, and keep an eye out for updates on Middle Level Education Month which will be celebrated this coming March.

Be Active

Apply for a position on AMLE’s Advocacy Constituent Committee to help guide and support our work to advance the aims of the Policy Agenda.* Or, build relationships and share talking points with your district, local, and state leaders.

Share your Story

AMLE invites members to share written or video testimonials to help illustrate how achieving the aims of the policy agenda would support middle level education. It’s easy! Just select from seven prompts and submit your perspective. AMLE will compile and shared with education leaders and policymakers to advance our advocacy work. Need some inspiration? Take a look at the examples included below. 

Be an Ambassador

Engage your colleagues in middle grades best practice through the Successful Middle School Program and help us expand the body of research by participating in the Successful Middle School Assessment and Research Project.

Together we’ll change the narrative of the middle grades to one of profound opportunity that simply can’t be ignored.

*AMLE membership is required to serve on an AMLE constituent committee. The deadline for applications is January 17, 2025. The Chair of the AMLE Board of Trustees will determine committee placements by the end of January.

Those wishing to cite the Agenda can do so as follows: AMLE. 2023. National Policy Agenda for the Middle Grades https://www.amle.org/advocating-for-the-middle-grades/