Success in the Middle Act of 2023

The Success in the Middle Act of 2023 provides federal funding to improve middle grades education (grades 5-8) by requiring states to develop evidence-based improvement plans focused on student engagement, academic achievement, and transitions to high school. It targets schools serving high percentages of at-risk students, including those with chronic absenteeism, failing grades, or disabilities, by establishing early warning systems to identify students needing support. The bill authorizes $500 million to $650 million annually for 2024-2028 to support professional development for teachers, curriculum alignment, student support services, and data-driven interventions. It requires states to track metrics like chronic absenteeism, on-time promotion rates, and course failure rates to measure progress toward closing achievement gaps. The law aims to improve students' readiness for high school and postsecondary success by addressing challenges unique to the middle grades period.