Motivating Students in the Middle Years

A decade after a national group formed to put more rigor into middle schools, educators are still searching for the right blend of academic and developmental strategies.

Durham, N.C.

It’s not easy to hide in Amber Cline’s math class.

Even the most skilled evaders among the 7th graders at Rogers-Herr Middle School here can’t dodge the veteran teacher’s questioning and prodding during a lesson on scale factors and ratios.

The earnest teacher has learned just how hard to push to keep her students focused on the illustrated math problems they are working on, and when to ease up if one gets frustrated or seems close to turning her off. She’s honed that instinct throughout the school year as she’s gotten to know each of her students’ academic strengths and weaknesses, as well as their...