Middle School Journal

What school leaders can do to build a schoolwide culture of literacy Elementary school is often seen as where students learn to read, and high school as where rigor picks up. But the middle grades are where essential literacy skills take root. Texts are longer, vocabulary becomes more complex, and students must manage more of their own learning. Because so much content learning happens through reading, literacy shapes success in every subject. Yet this is also when direct literacy support drops off.

The Association for Middle Level Education (AMLE) has named Robert Dumas recipient of the 2026 Conrad Toepfer Award for the Civic Engagement of Middle Grades Students. This prestigious award, named after Dr. Conrad Toepfer, a pioneer of the middle school movement, recognizes initiatives that engage young adolescents in authentic problem-solving, meaningful reflection, and opportunities to connect their skills and interests with real-world issues.

4:00 PM - 5:00 PM iCalendar Eastern Standard Time Moderated by Chad Corey, Principal of AMLE School of Distinction, South Orangetown Middle School (NY) Join middle level leaders from across the country for the next AMLE Middle School Leadership Roundtable, focused on the opportunities, challenges, and evolving role of artificial intelligence (AI) in schools.

Imagine asking students to locate the article you handed them yesterday. One student opens a binder, turns to a color-coded tab, and finds it in fifteen seconds. A classmate takes three minutes to find the right binder, with crumpled papers sticking out in every direction.

The Association for Middle Level Education (AMLE) has named Robert Dumas recipient of the 2026 Conrad Toepfer Award for the Civic Engagement of Middle Grades Students. This prestigious award, named after Dr. Conrad Toepfer, a pioneer of the middle school movement, recognizes initiatives that engage young adolescents in authentic problem-solving, meaningful reflection, and opportunities to connect their skills and interests with real-world issues.

How can educators pursue excellence without sacrificing their well-being? In the Season 6 premiere of the AMLE Walk and Talk Podcast, hosts Phyllis Fagell and Jessica McGuire explore a challenge familiar to many middle level educators: balancing professional ambition with personal sustainability. Their conversation offers timely reminders about self-compassion, goal-setting, and the importance of honoring where we are in our lives and careers.

Highlights of Exemplary Practices Aligned with the 18 Characteristics of Successful Middle Schools As an international school in Israel, we have been dealing with the effects of multiple wars since October 2023. Despite the challenges, our community has grown stronger together and our teachers continue to meet the needs of students from wherever they might be learning.

Nationally recognized Johns Hopkins researcher honored with AMLE's highest award for his extraordinary contributions to the success of young adolescents Columbus, OH - September 1, 2026 - The Association for Middle Level Education (AMLE) is pleased to announce Robert Balfanz, Ph.D., Distinguished Professor at the Johns Hopkins School of Education and Director of the Everyone graduates Center, as a recipient of the John H. Lounsbury Award for Distinguished Achievement in Middle Level Education.

In an AI-powered world, the most effective way to discourage inappropriate AI use is not by designing better restrictions, but by designing better learning experiences. When students see purpose, relevance, and ownership in their learning, they have far less reason to let artificial intelligence do the thinking for them. II. Building Classroom Cultures That Support Authentic Learning Authentic learning begins with classroom culture.

Discover how effective advisory programs build relationships and support student success in middle school. Explore advisory structures, goals, and implementation tips.