The National Forum to Accelerate Middle-Grades Reform is an alliance of over 60 educators, researchers, national associations, and officers of professional organizations and foundations committed to promoting the academic performance and healthy development of young adolescents.

In order to prepare students to be lifelong learners ready for college, career, and citizenship, the National Forum seeks to make every middle grades school academically excellent, responsive to the developmental needs and interests of young adolescents, and socially equitable.

To accomplish its goal of improved academic and developmental outcomes for all students in the middle grades, the Forum identifies and disseminates best practices, articulates and promotes effective policies, recognizes and develops enlightened leadership, and informs and engages the public.  Read more . . . 

Through its Schools to Watch^® (STW) program, the Forum has developed criteria for identifying high-performing middle-grades schools, created tools to help schools use the criteria, expanded the program to 18 states, and selected and honored 200 successful schools across the country during the Annual STW Conference.  Visit the Schools to Watch website for more information.

 

 

Vision Statement 

 

The National Forum to Accelerate Middle-Grades Reform is a small, distinguished group of educators, researchers, state and regional school leaders, and representatives of national education associations and foundations that came together in 1997 to focus on improving education for students in the middle grades. Through regional forums, national meetings, ongoing networking, and public communications, members of the National Forum promote their collective vision of effective schools for young adolescents.

 

Download vision statement and Criteria