The George W. Bush Institute has unveiled a new education initiative that focuses on improving middle schools.
The goal of the Middle School Matters project, announced this month, is to bring a “comprehensive, research-based approach” to middle schools, according to the Dallas-based institute.
Researchers identified 11 elements considered critical for middle school success, including strong school leadership; effective teachers; interventions in reading, writing, and mathematics; and the use of data to drive instruction. The institute will select 10 to 15 schools to undergo a needs assessment and training.
The project is led by Sandy Kress, a former White House aide who played a key role in working with Congress to craft the No Child Left Behind Act.
