CAPE UPDATE: WHAT CHARACTERIZES A MIDDLE-LEVEL CHILD?

The middle-school-aged student, more technically referred to as the emerging adolescent learner, is characterized by an abundance of energy and imagination. Individually and collectively they are diverse in their patterns of development and they exhibit behavior that reveals curiosity and an explorative nature. It has been stated that a middle-schooler is the only creature to be able to meet someone, begin to like this person, go steady and break up -- all through a third person.

The physical, social, intellectual and emotional changes these young people endure during this important stage of their life create tremendous demands on the school environment. Perhaps the most misunderstood area of the middle-level child is the wide range of academic achievement that occurs. A student entering middle-level programs from elementary school a half-year below reading level, for example, may soon realize they are two to three years behind.

Perhaps the best description of the middle-school student can be found in the following poem:

What is a Middle-Schooler?

What is a middle-schooler?

I was asked one day.

I knew what he was,

But what should I say?

He is noise and confusion.

He is silence that is deep.

He is sunshine and laughter,

Or a cloud that will weep.

He is swift as an arrow.

He is a waster of time.

He wants to be rich,

But cannot save a dime.

He is rude and nasty.

He is polite as can be.

He wants parental guidance,

But he fights to be free.

He is aggressive and bossy.

He is timid and shy.

He knows all the answers,

But still will ask "Why?"

He is awkward and clumsy.

He is graceful and poised.

He is ever changing,

But do not be annoyed.

What is a middle-schooler?

I was asked one day.

He is the future unfolding.

So do not stand in his way.

(An eighth-grade middle school student.)

The extreme differences in the rate and scale of growth and development is perhaps the most obvious characteristic of this period. Today's teachers are daily confronted with conditions and students who range from large in physical size to small in size; from a student who trips going up the stairs to an Olympic medalist contender who has the ability to score a perfect 10 in the parallel bar competition; from one who wears braces to one competing in the Miss Teenage America competition -- and the comparative differences go on.

Every day in school across the country teachers and principals mode, adapt and adjust lessons and instruction to meet this wide range of diverse needs. While some critics claim the need to get down to the basics, teachers are professionally trained to balance this need for basic skills instruction with the personal development needs of every child.

To the casual observer there are many areas to question and challenge this unique process of human development, but to the parents and teachers who experience this unique phenomenon, it is an experience which defies description.

Next week: Characteristics and needs of the middle-school student.

This column is made available through the cooperation of the Southeast Missourian staff and is being presented in an attempt to provide accurate information to the community on issues related to education. Initially the Cape Update will focus on actual events occurring within the local schools; however, parents, grandparents or others wishing answers to specific questions are encouraged to submit questions to Cape Update in care of Cape Girardeau public schools, 61 North Clark, Cape Girardeau, Mo. 63701.

Neyland G. Clark is superintendent of Cape Girardeau public schools.