Michigan Regional Networks
The Michigan Middle Start Network was established in 1994 with grants from the W. K. Kellogg Foundation to improve the teaching and learning of young adolescents in Michigan. To date, the most comprehensive implementation of Middle Start has taken place within the Michigan Middle Start Network. Most of the schools in the Michigan Middle Start network implemented the Achievement By Continuous Improvement (ABCI) program, a comprehensive school improvement model based on the simple idea that high expectations matched with a high level of support will produce high achievement for ALL. By providing schools with a proven framework, on-site coaching, and ongoing professional development, Middle Start was able to help these schools ensure that every student meets or exceeds standards. With this model, students who were formerly unable to demonstrate proficiency or work to their potential take ownership of their learning, and high-performing students receive additional challenges and encouragement to keep them engaged.
Over the course of several years, the Michigan Schools in the network worked closely with their coaches to implement the four Middle Start Principles and Practices -- (1) reflective review and assessment; (2) effective small learning communities; (3) rigorous curriculum, instruction, and student assessment; and, (4) distributed leadership and sustainable partnerships. Quantitative studies show that students attending these Michigan Middle Start schools consistently outperformed students in demographically matched comparison schools.
Since its inception, the Michigan Middle Start Partnership has grown to include professional development organizations, advocacy groups, technical assistance organizations, and universities.
- Current and former members of the Michigan Middle Start Network include:
- Academy for Educational Development
- Central Michigan University/Michigan Schools in the Middle
- Connected Math Program
- Detroit Public Schools/Department of School Transformation
- Eastern Michigan University
- Kalamazoo Regional Educational Service Agency
- W.K. Kellogg Foundation
- Michigan Coalition of Essential Schools
- Michigan League for Human Services
- National Helpers Network, Inc.
- Northern Michigan University/UP Center for Educational Development
- Center for Prevention Research and Development at the University of Illinois
- Center For Highly Interactive Computing In Education (Hi-Ce) at the University of Michigan
Mid South Network
Since 1997, Middle Start has been implemented in the three Mid South states of Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi through a partnership with the Foundation for the Mid South and grants from the W. K. Kellogg Foundation. Currently, the Foundation for the Mid South supports schools with comprehensive school improvement grants. The purpose of these grants is "to enhance middle-grades instruction, particularly in the core areas of literacy and mathematics." Through these grants the Foundation for the Mid South supports schools' efforts to develop or adapt programs and strategies that promote effective instruction and students' success." These grants make it possible for grantee schools to work closely with a professional development partner with specific expertise in mathematics or literacy.
Current and former members in the Mid-South Middle Start network include several education specialists based in the region and the following organizations:
- Academy for Educational Development
- Foundation for the Mid South
- Center for Prevention Research and Development at the University of Illinois
- Mississippi Writing/Thinking Institute
- Program of Research and Evaluation for Public Schools (PREPS)
- Ventures
- W. K. Kellogg Foundation
Greater New York
Beginning in 2006, Middle Start began working with two networks in the New York Metropolitan area: one in New York City and one in Long Island. The New York City initiative has begun to implement the Middle Start's DataSmart program, and the Long Island Network is beginning with the Middle Start School Study program. The work in New York City is focused around two middle-grades schools: Cypress Hills Community School, P.S. 89 (Cypress Hills), and Twenty-first Century Academy for Community Leadership, P.S. 210 (Twenty-first Century).
