Southeast Regional Network of Michigan Middle Start

WELCOME TO THE SOUTHEAST REGIONAL NETWORK OF MICHIGAN MIDDLE START

ABOUT THE NETWORK

The Southeast Regional Network of Michigan Middle Start is a collection of educators, schools, districts, professional development partners, and other stakeholders who are commtted to supporting adolescents and school reform for the middle grades. Over 25 schools from cities in Southeast Michigan, including Detroit, Dearborn, Romulus, and South Redford, are participating in the network.

This regional network is the largest of several such networks in Michigan that is focused on school reform efforts centered around the needs of adolescent learners. While many schools within the network have participated in Middle Start programs since 1998, this network was formally established in 2004, and is building a strong infrastructure of educators and other stakeholders to provide support to schools. The University of Michigan School of Education, along with other professional development partners and supporting organizations, and with the financial support of the Academy for Educational Development and the W. K. Kellogg Foundation, is supportings the initial activities of the regional network.

ABOUT MIDDLE START

Middle Start is a comprehensive reform program for schools with middle grades. It combines on-site support to schools with the development of regional partnerships of schools and local organizations. Middle Start coaches work with participating school leadership teams to guide the schools through the improvement process, while the regional partnership brings together a variety of service agencies, universities, advocacy groups, and institutions to build capacity for continuous school improvement.

Here in Michigan, Middle Start is being implemented in more schools than any other CSR (Comprehensive School Reform) model. Middle Start continues to grow, change, expand, and adapt to meet the local needs of students, teachers, and schools.