ABSTRACT
The authors offer a response to the article, “Illinois Horizon Schools: Initial Research Findings from the Illinois Schools to Watch Program,” which reported results of a study of a middle level school recognition program in Illinois. After explaining how the study provides recognition and validation for the National Forum to Accelerate Middle-Grades Reform’s Schools to Watch program, the authors raise questions to guide future research and make recommendations for expanding and improving the Schools to Watch program. The authors recommend examining STW areas other than academic excellence, such as developmental responsiveness, social equity, and the organizational structures of schooling. They also urge advocacy to gain support for comprehensive middle grades reforms that support the middle school concept, like STW.
