The Current Status of Middle Level Education Research: A Critical Review

Abstract

AbstractAlthough studies addressing middle level education issues have increased in number over the past decade, there appears to be a dearth of definitive research (both qualitative and quantitative) on the efficacy of practices recommended by middle school advocates. Instead, widespread embrace of the middle school philosophy has resulted in a rapid implementation of recommended programs, policies, and procedures by various constituencies without a sufficient undergirding of supporting research.Herein, it will be argued that, in many areas and to a large extent, the research base remains sparse, weak, and inconclusive. Critiques of earlier reviews of research presented first will be followed by an overview of the research findings vis-a-vis several highly-touted middle level programs. Conclusions identify four factors contributing to the problem: an insufficient number of studies, utilization of weak research designs, lack of comparative data, and the prevalence of extraneous variables.Establishment of ...