Understanding the K-8 Model -- A Series: Part I

30+ years ago when I attended F.W. Cook Elementary school sixth grade was a part of the school’s schema. And although I did not necessarily understand the value of it then -- as a mother of an up and coming 6th-grader – I certainly “get it” now.

Prior to hearing that Cedarbrook and Cook would extend their classrooms to include 6th grade my husband and I planned to take my daughter out of the Plainfield School system – at least for the middle school rite of passage. Now – before you think I had given up on the quality of teaching for these middle school grades – hear me out. My daughter is 10 – that’s right 10! Can you imagine having a 10 year old in an environment with children ranging on average from ages 12 – 14…? As research bears the educational, emotional, social and yes physical needs of these age groups are drastically different. I could not and would not put my daughter’s years of self-discovery at risk in such a diametrically opposed age appropriate atmosphere.

Imagine our delight when it was “officially” announced in June that Cedarbrook would be expanding to include the 6th grade! As God is oft to do – He took away our angst -- shall we say SUDDENLY! I am enamored with Cedarbrook. The leadership (Mr. Asante) and the teachers are PHENOMENAL! Having my daughter in a familiar setting will certainly insure she develops in her own time into the intelligent, self-assured, conscientious and civic-minded young lady she is destined to be.

Well now -- enough about my personal story. Following are some facts, figures and professional opining from some research I did back in May in an effort to gain a better understanding of the benefits and the shortcomings of the K-8 Model. At the end of the readout is a link to the full citation. I would recommend that each of you take time to glean the information so that you are equipped to support and/or develop the appropriate contingency plans as you guide your children towards educational excellence.

1. K-8 Schools can be a viable alternative to large middle schools which struggle to be more than factory models of education.
2. K-8 schools can enhance social capital and give at-risk students, in particular, greater opportunities at success by building relationships with staff over a course of nine years. (This seems to be fueling, at least in part, the return of K-8 schools in urban and rural communities.)
3. Parent involvement can improve because parents are usually happiest with their children's elementary school experiences.
4. Parents are more likely to stay involved in the children's school lives longer because they are already comfortable with the school and its staff.
5. A K-8 school can incorporate a distinct, rigorous, and developmentally appropriate middle grades program
6. Internal accountability can increase in schools making the transition to K-8
7. Teachers know personally whom they are sending their children to next year, and middle grades teachers know whom there students are coming from.
8. K-8 schools are a better option than a large middle school in low-resource communities.
9. It is not a silver bullet, but another option that may be considered in attempting to bring about successful, rigorous, and developmentally appropriate middle grades education.
10. The BENEFITS are NOT AUTOMATICALLY inherent in the model.
    
    Keith Look is a Researcher with the Philadelphia Education Fund. For a full citing of this information log on to: http://www.middleweb.com/MWLresources/K8schools.html