In this episode of Middle School Walk and Talk, hosts Jessica McGuire and Phyllis Fagell sit down with middle level education expert Jack Berckemeyer to discuss the evolving behaviors of young adolescents. Jack shares insights from his AMLE article on the "8 New Characteristics of Middle School Kids," highlighting trends like increased boldness, diminished respect for authority, and a tendency to debate everything. 

Together they explore how these shifts, influenced by the pandemic and broader cultural changes, challenge educators to reestablish boundaries and expectations. Jack offers practical strategies, such as setting non-negotiables through teaming and using refusal-to-work forms to foster accountability, encouraging educators to guide students toward ownership and growth while adapting to their changing developmental needs.

Check out the AMLE Store to find Jack's book Successful Middle School Teaming and his newest publication for AMLE, Embracing the Change: Middle School 101 for Families. 

Middle School Walk & Talk is a production of the Association for Middle Level Education. Learn more at amle.org.