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Don Eichhorn is considered the founding father of the middle school movement in Pennsylvania dating back to the 1960’s.  In his first published work in 1966, Don conceptionalized a developmentally appropriate educational program based upon the unique learning characteristics of young adolescents.  He coined the term, “transescence” to describe the stage of development that begins prior to the onset of puberty and extends through the early stages of adolescence.

            

Don organized the first middle school in Pennsylvania, the Fort Couch Middle School in the Upper Saint Claire School District.  Don was passionate about the middle level and designing a program to meet the needs of all the students.  This award is presented annually to schools from each of the proposed seven regions of Pennsylvania.  Each school must submit a binder that outlines how they embrace the fourteen elements of a middle school as defined in the National Middle School Association’s publication, This We Believe – Successful Schools for Young Adolescents.

 

The fourteen elements include;

1.      Educators who value working with this age group and are prepared to do so

2.      Courageous, collaborative leadership

3.      A shared vision that guides decisions

4.      An inviting, supportive, and safe environment

5.      High expectations for every member of the learning community

6.      Students and teachers engaged in active learning

7.      An adult advocate for every student

8.      School-initiated family and community partnerships

9.      Curriculum that is relevant, challenging, integrative, and exploratory

10.    Multiple learning and teaching approaches that respond to their diversity

11.    Assessment and evaluation programs that promote quality learning

12.    Organizational structures that support meaningful relationships and learning

13.    School-wide efforts and policies that foster health, wellness, and safety

14.    Multifaceted guidance and support services

 

Each school is then visited by the awards committee to verify that the elements listed in their binder actually do exist.  In addition, the committee meets separately with groups of students, parents, teachers and school and district administrators.