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Middle Grades Partnership Model is delivering for students, teachers and schools

Research Findings

Middle Grades Partnership commissioned evaluators from Johns Hopkins University’s Bloomberg School of Public Health to study the program model and its impact on student achievement. To expand on that research, Middle Grades Partnership reviewed Baltimore City Schools and Maryland State Department of Education data.

Our findings?

Despite having difficult circumstances in their lives, students involved in Middle Grades Partnership programs:

  • Excel in school.
  • Perform better in reading and math.
    49% percent of Baltimore City 8th graders scored at the proficient or advanced level on Maryland standardized tests in 2008. 82% percent of Middle Grades Partnership students scored at the proficient or advanced level on the Maryland standardized tests in 2008.
    Nationally and locally, math scores drop for students between the 5th and 8th grades. In most cases, students in Middle Grades Partnership programs showed increases or remained steady in their math performance and demonstrated strong readiness for algebra and other higher-level math classes.
  • Are five times more likely to qualify for competitive high schools than their Baltimore City middle school peers.
    Getting into a top Baltimore City high school is highly competitive. As many as 54% of students in Middle Grades Partnership programs qualify for competitive high schools. Fewer than 12% of Baltimore students citywide qualify for these top-tier schools.
  • Attend class during the school year more frequently.
    Students in Middle Grades Partnership programs missed an average of six days of school. Baltimore city middle school students missed and average of 18 days of school.

For more detailed information about the Middle Grades Partnership evaluation report, please contact Executive Director Beth Casey at bcasey@middlegradepartnership.org or 410-856-1310 ext. 500.

Read the complete Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health study PDF. For state and city data, visit www.mdreportcard.org.