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The first "junior high" school was created in order to bridge the gap between elementary and high school. These schools allowed students to prepare for high school by choosing between a vocational studies path or a college preparatory path. Goals were set for the responsibilities of the American school institutions.

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Concerns about the education in the junior high level started to be noticed. It became apparent that teachers were not adequately prepared to teach young adolescents, classrooms were focused around the textbook and teacher, and curriculum was continuing to be subject centered (similar to how it is in elementary).

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Junior high was three years out of a child's schooling. Six years in elementary and another three in high school. Different schools began to vary the years that students would attend junior high. Some schools choose grades 5th-8th and some choose 6th-8th. Junior high also began to be known as "middle school" during this time; as students were in their middle years of attending school.

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Junior high transformed into middle school. A new philosophy of what these schooling years should look like had surfaced. This new philosophy was centered around student centered learning, a variety of classes, interdisciplinary teams, and experiential approaches to learning. William M. Alexander was named the "father of the middle school movement."

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During this span of time education saw a middle school movement. The question of what is the identity of the middle school should be was pondered at this time. The way teachers were being prepared as educators for young adolescence became a large concern. The amount of middle schools grew tremendously throughout this time period. This growth emphasized the new learning practices and philosophies being explored in the early 1960s. Likewise, classes outside of the standard core classes were being explored in order to develop the students deeper.

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The National Middle School Association was founded. This organization focuses solely on the the growth and development of young adolescence. This organization is made up of members from all states and provides a voice for middle school educators. They provide opportunity for professional development and access to the latest research. This association is affiliated with the Collegiate Middle Level Association that promotes teacher's educational experiences.

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Advancing techniques were developed during this decade. Advancing policies, responsive pedagogy, and interdisciplinary curricula continued to be the focus of this decade. A need and demand for higher teaching standards was a large focus as well. Throughout this decade, "how to" methods were created to outline best practices in classroom management.

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People who were outside of the middle school movement began to question the methods and philosophies that were being used in middle schools. Major research began to be poured into middle level education to ensure the best practices were being used in middle schools.

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A program known as "Schools to Watch" was created. This program identifies schools who are making significant progress towards excellence. These schools are meeting the set criteria of high performances in various categories such as: academics, social equity, and developmental responsiveness.

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Middle school education developed and strengthened through research. Research was conducted in order to strengthen middle school level pedagogy and practices. During this time period, there was a search for a balance between school policies and test preparation.

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The first nationally represented study that examined experiences and outcomes took place in the United States. This study recognizes student development throughout 6th through 8th grades.

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Association for Middle Level Education. (2010). This we believe: Keys to educating young adolescents.

Powell, S. D. (2020). Introduction to middle level education. Pearson.

Schaefer, M. B., Malu, K. F., & Yoon, B. (2016). An historical overview of the Middle School Movement, 1963–2015. RMLE Online, 39(5), 1–27. https://doi.org/10.1080/19404476.2016.1165036