Schooling is important at any time in a child’s life, but developmentally appropriate instruction and materials are especially crucial during middle childhood. Children’s talents—abilities in science or mathematics, artistic talent, musical capability, and athletic skill—become apparent between ages 6 and 11. Table 51-1 lists developmental tasks of middle childhood (note that several of these tasks cross domains).

Much is expected of U.S. schools today. The No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (PL 107-110) holds schools accountable for students’ academic achievement. States must test every child in grades 3 through 8 each year in reading and math, and publish yearly progress reports of their students’ progress toward national benchmarks. The No Child Left Behind Act also requires that students be taught by a “highly qualified teacher” who holds at least a bachelor’s degree, has obtained full state certification, and has demonstrated knowledge in the core academic subjects he or she teaches. Results of the act have been mixed to date; while progress has been made in some areas of the country, disparities continue to exist along socioeconomic lines. The National Center for Educational Statistics compiles data on all student performance through grade 12.