Relationships between the Middle School Concept and Student Demographics

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Relationships between the Middle School Concept and Student Demographics
Language: English
Authors: Woods, Scott Christopher, Cromley, Jennifer Grace (ORCID 0000-0002-6479-9080), Hackmann, Donald Gene (ORCID 0000-0002-3869-1201)
Source: Journal of Educational Administration. 2020 58(3):265-281.
Availability: Emerald Group Publishing Limited. Howard House, Wagon Lane, Bingley, West Yorkshire, BD16 1WA, UK. Tel: +44-1274-777700; Fax: +44-1274-785201; e-mail: emerald@emeraldinsight.com; Web site: http://www.emeraldinsight.com
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 17
Publication Date: 2020
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Education Level: Junior High Schools
Middle Schools
Secondary Education
Elementary Education
Grade 5
Intermediate Grades
Grade 6
Grade 7
Grade 8
Grade 9
High Schools
Descriptors: Middle Schools, Grade 5, Grade 6, Grade 7, Grade 8, Grade 9, Interdisciplinary Approach, Teamwork, Teacher Collaboration, Planning, Institutional Characteristics, Student Characteristics, Instructional Program Divisions, Racial Composition, Ethnicity, Academic Achievement, Educational Finance, Financial Support, Fiscal Capacity, Socioeconomic Status, Expenditure per Student
Geographic Terms: Illinois
DOI: 10.1108/JEA-04-2019-0071
ISSN: 0957-8234
Abstract: Purpose: This study explored implementation of the middle school concept (MSC) in Illinois middle-level schools, examining relationships between MSC implementation and schools' relative wealth, racial/ethnic composition, and achievement levels. Design/methodology/approach: This quantitative study utilized a sample of 137 Illinois middle-level schools, defined as containing any combination of grades 5-9, including at least two consecutive grade levels and grade 7. Principals completed an online survey, identifying levels of implementation of advisory, teaming with common planning time (CPT), and a composite of both advisory and teaming with CPT. Findings: Schools with high advisory implementation had significantly higher rates of Latinx enrollments. Schools with lower operating expenditures per pupil were significantly less likely to implement advisory or advisory and teaming. Teaming had a significant relationship with composite PARCC test scores, but there was no significant effect for advisory and no significant interaction of advisory and teaming together. Practical implications: MSC is more expensive to implement, and affluent districts may have the financial means to absorb these costs. Although teaming facilitated improved state test scores, advisory programming did not result in significantly improved scores. Social implications: Lack of access to MSC programming in less affluent communities presents an equity issue for low-income students and students of color. Originality/value: This study contributes to research examining underlying issues of race and poverty and their effects on academic achievement and the effectiveness of the MSC.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2021
Accession Number: EJ1291684
Database: ERIC
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