Has a clearly established program of studies based upon the concept of exploration and provides opportunities for student growth. An effective middle school is a transitional experience for pupils. Employs teachers who focus on the learning needs of pupils by using appropriate teaching strategies. Learning needs are a result of the student's individualized timetable for physical, intellectual, social emotional, and moral development. Emphasizes the guidance and counseling function of staff members by providing for home base program, stressing the importance of self-concept, and providing a positive climate.
All teachers are counselors, to a degree, by being sensitive to the needs of students.
Advisory programs provide a format to meet the affective or emotional needs of a student's development with the primary emphasis on self-concept. Promotes flexibility in implementing the daily, weekly, and monthly schedule to meet varying needs of students. The key word is flexibility. The master schedule should provide the broad, general parameters but can and should be altered by the teaching teams to meet the changing needs of students. Students should be grouped and regrouped as needed.