High Schools That Work

High Schools That Work

Case Study: Stemmers Run Middle School, Baltimore County, Maryland

This case study describes the remarkable strides in school improvement that Stemmers Run Middle School has made since joining the Making Middle Grades Work (MMGW) initiative in 2000. The school once faced takeover by the state. With a new principal; a new commitment from teachers, administrators and staff; and guidance from MMGW, the school turned things around. Student mean scores on the 2002 Middle Grades Assessment showed gains of 26 points in reading and 19 points in mathematics and science, compared to the 2000 Assessment. The keys to its success include investing in professional development; raising student achievement; eliminating general mathematics; involving parents, students and the community; and strengthening guidance and mentoring.

Keywords: student achievement, raising expectations, guidance and advisement, staff development, involvement

(04V46); 12 pages; $1 each

Goal that it reflects: 3. Achievement in the middle grades for all groups of students exceeds national averages and performance gaps are closed.

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