Examining the Relationship Between Personal Characteristics and Effective Practices of Middle Level Teachers

Abstract

A preliminary study was undertaken in January 2003 to investigate the personal characteristics of effective middle level teachers along with the relationship of those characteristics and the implementation of middle level core practices. A random sample of 298 Iowa middle level teachers in grades five through nine yielded survey data from five scales: ability to implement middle level core practices, importance of implementing middle level core practices, satisfaction with the implementation of core practices, agency , and personal characteristics. Statistical and predictive significance was found in the independent-dependent variable relationship between persona characteristics and the ability to implement middle level core practices. Recommendations for educators based on survey findings have been included.