Focus on the Wonder Years

During the middle school years, young teens undergo multiple physical, socialemotional, and intellectual changes that shape who they are and how they function as adults. The schools young teens attend play a critical role in shaping these futures. Therefore, the state of the U.S. middle school is—or should be—of concern to all of us. Unfortunately, the reputation of U.S. middle schools today leaves in doubt whether these schools serve teens well. Middle schools have been called the Bermuda Triangle of education and have been blamed for increases in behavior problems, teen alienation, disengagement from school, and low achievement.