Should schools be k-8?

Question

should schools be kindergarten through eighth grade or k-5 and a seperate middle school? Why? Answering this will really help me, don't ask how though. Thanks.

Answer 1

I went to the same school from first through 8th grade and have a far stronger connection to my classmates there than in high school.

Answer 2

I am so excited to answer this question. I am an elementary education major and did a research paper on the subject of K-8 schools. There are mixed results on the subject, for instance some people feel that middle school students do not have the same amount of offerings that are found in a middle school such as Foreign Language, Instrumental Music, Sports, etc. In addition, some feel that older students shouldn't be housed in the same building with younger students.

Now, here comes my opinion. I believe that K-8 schools are very beneficial and school districts should strongly consider them. The argument that middle school students deserve special attention that only a middle school can provide is absurd to me. Research I have read notes that "middle school practices" are implemented best in a K-8 school. Since middle schools focus on a child-centered approach, K-8 schools are perfect for it, because they have elementary school teachers that already teach in that fashion. Several school districts throughout the country have already begun to imlement K-8 school programs including: Baltimore, Oklahoma City, Philadelphia, Cleveland, Cincinnati, and Salt Lake City. Many of these schools have reported positive results after making the change. Some of these include: reduced behavioral problems, increased academic achievement, higher standardized test scores, and higher parental involvement. Many of these gains are attributed to the smaller environment and the fact that the students are more familiar with the teachers and the school itself. The key to K-8 schools is the fact that students remain in the same building for 9 or 10 years. Because of this, students have an opportunity to become connected to their school, teachers, and peers. Studies have shown that they longer a student remains in one building, the better.

As for the middle school students being in the same building with younger students, these school districts have found that the older students act as postitive role models to younger students and visa versa. Older students have the opportunity to act as mentors to younger students.

The one thing I think that school districts need to consider before converting to K-8 facilities is to make sure that each building is equipped with facilities that are needed for the older age group. For example: Science labs and or equipment. The school should be large enough that teachers have enough resources. I would say that each school should have at least two of each grade level, but no more than four. If you get too large you are going to lose the personal feeling. There needs to be enough of each grade so that teachers have the opportunity to team teach, a practice that middle schools typically use. K-8 schools should have the resources to offer music (both general and instrumental), art, sports, and even foreign languages.

The greatest aspect in my opinion of K-8 schools is the personal feeling it gives each student. The students know everyone in the building and teachers. They feel nurtured and comfortable in their school. Growing up I experienced a school district organized: K-3, 4-6, 7-9, 10-12. After the third grade, each of the schools had over 1000 students. This is where students fall through the cracks. They lose that personal feeling when they leave elementary school and no longer feel the same connection. As, you can see I feel very strongly about K-8 schools, I hope my advice helped!

Answer 3

Different age groups require different settings, different facilities & equipment. K-5 gets you through early childhood. Pre-teens is 6-8. Kids in that age group should be kept together, and don't need the influences of the older kids on the same campus. High school begins in 9th grade when the teen years officially begin. In some areas, 11-12 is a separate campus from 9-10 and is called Senior High.

Answer 4

yes, I think it is a good idea. I attended a k-8 school for middle school and wished I had gone the whole time. It was a parochial school though.

Answer 5

Not necessarily. I think middle schoolers need special attention. But, it really depends on the school and the teachers. If they can dedicate the time to them, they can thrive either way.