Evaluation Associate:

This paper summarizes research relevant to the Austin Independent School Distriets proposal to move sixth graders from an elementary school (K-6 or K,4-6) to a middle school (6-8) grade grouping. A summary of the evolution of vuiddle-grade education is presented. Three areas affected by grade organization are discussed: academic achievement, nonacademic outcomes (self-concept and anxiety), and homogeneous grade groups. The grade organization studies of various middle grade configurations did not show any consistent effects one way or the other. References to 36 studies are included. (SI) XXXX3000000000000M)0000000000MM)00000000000000000000000000000000EM*XXXX * Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document