National Middle School Association

Since its inception in 1973, National Middle School Association (NMSA) has been a voice for those committed to the educational and developmental needs of young adolescents. NMSA is the only national education association dedicated exclusively to those in the middle level grades. With over 30,000 members representing principals, teachers, central office personnel, professors, college students, parents, community leaders, and educational consultants across the United States, Canada, and 46 other countries, NMSA welcomes and provides support to anyone interested in the health and education of young adolescents. In addition, NMSA has a network of 58 affiliate organizations in the United States, Canada, Europe, and Australia that strengthens their outreach to the regional, state, provincial, and local levels.

NMSA recognizes the urgent need to significantly upgrade middle level curriculum, provide intensive support for students who are struggling, high quality professional development for middle level teachers and principals, and the dissemination of research and best practices to help raise student achievement.

Without transforming middle level education, our high schools cannot be expected to meet the goal of graduating every student ready for college and work. NMSA is advocating for several initiatives including the expansion of Striving Readers and math and science teacher professional development. Success in the Middle, a new initiative that would help all middle schools upgrade for the 21st century, targets funds and technical assistance to turnaround our lowest performing middle grades schools.

In 2006 NMSA worked with Educational Priorities to develop a policy guide, Success in the Middle: A Policymaker's Guide to Achieving Quality Middle Level Education. This guide cites proven strategies to implement a coordinated and strategic plan to raise academic achievement and support 10- to 15-year-olds as they move through the exciting but challenging transitions of early adolescence.

In September of 2006, NMSA cosponsored a middle school policy forum with the Council for Chief State School Officers and the Alliance for Excellent Education that helped over 300 education policy-makers focus on new research by Robert Balfanz, Johns Hopkins University, and Cynthia B. Schmeiser, president and CEO of ACT’s Education Division, on early warning indicators for high school dropouts and college preparation.

To visit the National Middle School Association website, click here.