• An academic core that is aligned with rigorous content and performance standards - All students in the middle grades must have academic core curricula that accelerate their learning, challenge them and appeal to their interests.
  • In mathematics, all students either complete Algebra 1 with acceptable performance or pass a pre-algebra test of proficiency and use algebra concepts to reason and solve problems.
    
  • In science, all students in the middle grades use laboratory and technology experiences to learn scientific concepts in physical, life and earth/space sciences.
  • Reading instruction across content areas should be part of the academic core curricula through grade eight.
  • The language arts curriculum requires exiting eighth-graders to use language correctly and effectively to find, organize and report on information through reading, writing, speaking and listening.
  • The social studies curriculum requires that, before students can exit eighth grade, they describe their heritage, their government, their world and economic principles through key issues of the past, present and future.
• A belief that all students matter - Each student needs to have a personal relationship with an adult mentor or advocate who takes an interest in his or her successful learning, goal-setting, career-planning and personal growth.
• High expectations and a system of extra help and time - Students learn in different ways and at different rates. It is important to provide enough time and help to give all students the opportunity to meet more rigorous, consistent standards.
• Classroom practices that engage students in their learning - Young adolescents need varied learning activities linked to challenging academic content, and they need opportunities to use new skills and concepts in “real-world” applications. 
• Teachers working together - All teachers need time to plan together, to develop and coordinate learning activities, and to share student work that meets proficiency standards.
• Support from parents - Parents must have a clear understanding of and must support the higher standards for performance in the middle grades.
• Qualified teachers - Middle grades teachers must know both academic content and how to teach young adolescents.
• Use of data - States, districts and schools must use data on student, school and teacher performance continuously to affirm or revise school and classroom practices that will improve student achievement.
• Exploring and using technology - Middle grades students and teachers must have opportunities to explore and use technology to improve knowledge and skills in English/language arts, reading, mathematics, science and social studies. Learning through activities and applications across the curriculum develops expertise in technology.
• Strong leadership - Middle grades schools need strong, effective principals who encourage teachers and actively participate with them in planning and implementing research-based improvements in school and classroom practices.

The Purpose Conditions for Student Success

The goal of Making Middle Grades Work is to raise the academic achievement of all middle grades students to at least the Basic level, with increasing percentages of middle grades students performing at the Proficient level, as defined and measured by the National Assessment of Educational Program (NAEP).

To accomplish this goal, Texas MMGW proposes that:

• all students learn a rigorous core curriculum of mathematics, reading across content areas, English/language arts, science and social studies;
• students are taught by highly qualified teachers who hold a content major or minor in the subject(s) they teach;
• teachers engage students through relevant, hands-on materials and activities; and
• all students leave eighth grade prepared for success in a challenging and accelerated high school curriculum.

Texas MMGW assists middle grades schools to implement the essential elements in the comprehensive improvement framework by creating key conditions that support improved academic achievement and by developing readiness indicators for students exiting the middle grades.

Current Making Middle Grades Work Sites

Lubbock-Cooper MS-Lubbock ISD
Burton Secondary-Burton ISD
La Villa HS-La Villa ISD
Mabank JH-Mabank ISD
Mount Pleasant JH-Mount Pleasant ISD
North Ridge MS-Birdville ISD
Truman MS-Grand Prairie ISD
Watauga MS-Birdville ISD
Southmore IS-Pasadena ISD