Middle School Curriculum and Instruction
Middle School Curriculum and Instruction
Middle School Education
Supporting Students & Families in Grades 5–8
The middle school years are an exciting time of growth, change, and increasing independence. Our goal is to support students and families as they navigate these important years and prepare for success in high school and beyond.
Whether you are looking for academic resources, information about state assessments, help navigating the challenges of adolescence, or tools to help your child become a more independent learner, the resources below are a great place to start.
Academic Resources
Alabama Virtual Library — Middle School
Free access to reliable research databases, reference materials, e-books, newspapers, magazines, and other academic resources selected for middle school students. Alabama residents have free access, and most are automatically authenticated based on location.
Visit Alabama Virtual Library — Middle School
Free E-Books for Students
The Alabama Virtual Library also provides access to e-book collections for students through eighth grade, including nonfiction, reference materials, and literature.
Understanding ACAP
ACAP Parent Resources
The Alabama Comprehensive Assessment Program (ACAP) measures student progress toward Alabama's academic standards. ACAP Summative testing includes students in grades 2–8 in English language arts and mathematics, with science assessed in grades 4, 6, and 8.
Families can find parent guides, information about student reports, performance-level information, and other assessment resources here:
Understanding Your Child's ACAP Results
Not sure what all the information on the ACAP Individual Student Report means? This parent guide explains the report and can help families identify areas where a student is doing well and areas where additional support may be needed.
Parent Guide: Understanding ACAP Results
Parent Toolbox
Middle school students are learning to manage greater academic and personal responsibility. Parents are still an important part of the process, but the way you support your child may begin to change.
My Child Is Struggling in a Class. Where Do I Start?
Start with your child. Ask:
What are you having trouble understanding?
Do you have missing assignments?
Have you asked your teacher for help?
What can you do differently this week?
Next, review available grade and assignment information with your child. Encourage your child to speak with the teacher and ask specifically what can be done to improve.
If the problem continues, reach out to the teacher so that home and school can work together.
Who Should I Contact?
Question about an assignment, grade, or classroom concern?
Start with the teacher.
Concern about your child's academic progress, schedule, or need for additional support?
Contact the school counselor.
Discipline or student-behavior concern?
Contact the appropriate school administrator.
School-wide concern or an issue that has not been resolved after working through the appropriate channels?
Contact the principal.
Helping Your Child Become More Independent
Middle school is the perfect time for students to begin taking greater responsibility for their education. Encourage your child to check assignments, keep track of deadlines, communicate with teachers, ask questions, and solve age-appropriate problems.
Support them—but resist the urge to do everything for them. The goal is to gradually move from managing for your child to coaching your child to manage for themselves.
Phones, Social Media & Online Safety
Phones and social media are a major part of life for many middle school students. Families play an important role in establishing expectations for responsible use.
Kids & Cell Phones
The Federal Trade Commission provides practical information about cell-phone rules, parental controls, privacy, security, location sharing, screen-time limits, apps, and other issues families should consider before and after giving a child a phone.
Middle School Parent Tip: Don't wait for a problem to have conversations about phones and social media. Establish expectations about screen time, appropriate posts, group chats, photos, location sharing, privacy, and what your child should do when something online makes them uncomfortable.
Friendships, Conflict & Bullying
Friendships become increasingly important during the middle school years. Changing friendships and disagreements are normal, but families should also know how to recognize behaviors that may be more serious.
Bullying Prevention for Middle School Parents
This resource from StopBullying.gov was developed specifically for parents of middle school students. It explains different types of bullying, warning signs, cyberbullying, what parents can do when their child is being bullied, and what to do when a child is bullying others.
Bullying Prevention for Parents of Middle School Students
If Your Child Reports a Problem
Listen first. Get the facts and avoid immediately contacting another student's family. Encourage your child to tell a trusted adult at school. When school involvement is necessary, contact the appropriate school personnel so the concern can be investigated and addressed.
For online incidents, save relevant messages, posts, photos, or screenshots rather than deleting them. StopBullying.gov specifically recommends documenting cyberbullying and reporting school-related cyberbullying to the school.
Student Toolbox
Need Help? Start Here.
Middle school means taking more responsibility for your own success. You don't have to have everything figured out—but you do need to learn when and how to ask for help.
I'm falling behind.
Don't wait. Make a list of what you are missing, prioritize what needs to be completed first, and talk to your teachers.
I don't understand an assignment.
Ask! Your teacher would rather you ask for clarification than not complete the assignment.
I made a bad grade.
One grade does not determine your success. Figure out what went wrong, ask what you can do differently, and make a plan for the next assignment or assessment.
I need to talk to my teacher.
Be respectful and specific. Instead of saying, "I don't get it," explain what you understand and where you became confused.
I have several tests and assignments coming up.
Don't try to do everything at once. Write down what is due, break larger assignments into smaller tasks, and decide what you will work on each day.
I'm having a problem with another student.
Don't let social media or group chats make the situation bigger. Talk to a trusted adult at school when you need help resolving a problem.
Getting Ready for High School
Middle school isn't just about getting through grades 5–8. It's also about developing the habits students will need in high school.
Before Leaving Middle School, Students Should Be Learning To:
- Keep track of assignments and deadlines.
- Ask teachers for help when needed.
- Study instead of only completing homework.
- Manage time and balance responsibilities.
- Communicate respectfully with adults and peers.
- Accept responsibility for choices.
- Advocate for themselves appropriately.
- Learn from mistakes and setbacks.
- Complete work without constant reminders.
- Begin thinking about interests, strengths, careers, and future goals.
Middle School Matters
Middle school is more than a bridge between elementary and high school.
These years provide students with opportunities to discover their strengths, develop independence, build strong academic habits, learn from mistakes, and prepare for what's ahead.
Families + Students + Schools = Success