Dr. Diane E. Newby, Co-director
Dr. Harvey Dorrah, Co-director
Central Michigan University

"People who grew up in difficult circumstances and yet are successful, have one thing in common at a critical juncture in their early adolescence, they had a positive relationship with a caring adult."

The above quote reflects in many ways the basic nature of the restructuring process supported by Michigan Schools In The Middle: Restructuring Schools Project (MSIM), 1994-1998. This Project provided staff members at Drew and Hutchins Middle Schools, Detroit, Michigan, opportunities to collaborate with one another, work with middle level experts, and learn from educators working in exemplary middle schools within the State of Michigan and around the nation. This Project was directed by Diane Newby and Harvey Dorrah, faculty members at Central Michigan University, Mt. Pleasant, Michigan.

MSIM educators worked together on innovative and resourceful curriculum designs and organizational restructuring plans. They participated in various staff development workshops, assessment interviews, and national and state conferences. These efforts were to increase their knowledge about best middle level practices. The MSIM Project was designed to improve instructional practices to meet the needs of young adolescents. The major targets were to increase students' academic performance, their daily school attendance and their self esteem.

The Project reached its completion in December, 1998. Outcomes indicated that the Project had a positive impact on the academic performance and school attendance of the students whom it served. The staff saw a rising trend in student performance in general. We believe that this was due to restructuring efforts and a very talented and dedicated educational staff. The Project schools implemented key middle level practices such as interdisciplinary teaming, advisor/advisee programs, integrating technology into the curriculum, and interdisciplinary units.

The video, "MiddleBridge: Meeting the Needs of Young Adolescents through Key Middle Level Practices", best describes the objectives and outcomes of this Project. If you are interested in viewing this video, send email to Dr. Diane E. Newby, Professor, Central Michigan University.

This Project was funded by the W. K. Kellogg Foundation.