Survey of middle school students shows need for more resources

NEA President Reg Weaver said he is encouraged by a poll released in May showing middle school students have high hopes of staying in school, receiving a high school diploma and attending college. However, the survey reveals that many students experience a lack of planning, preparation and guidance, creating obstacles to achieving their educational goals.

The National Association of Secondary School Principals and Phi Delta Kappa International released the poll, “A Voice from the Middle.” It shows that nine out of 10 middle school students say they will attend college, but nearly seven out of 10 say they have little or no information on how to choose high school classes that will prepare them for college.

“This poll shows that students are eager to learn, achieve and succeed,” Weaver said. “It’s encouraging to hear them express such high educational aspirations, but the gap between the dream and reality is troubling. Educational opportunities must be strengthened to ensure every child access to a quality education from pre-kindergarten to college.”

To keep students engaged and excited about learning, NEA supports the expansion of intervention programs like Gear-Up, which support middle school students with services through high school and college. The association has also called for additional resources to provide more guidance counselors and to award more grants to low-income students attending college. Due to funding cuts and mandates, these resources are shrinking.

Posted May 25, 2007