Shaler Area Middle School is one of four schools to be newly recognized as a PA Don Eichhorn Schools: “Schools to Watch” (PA STW), part of a recognition program developed by the National Forum to Accelerate Middle-Grades Reform. In partnership with the Pennsylvania Association for Middle Level Education (PAMLE), and the Horace Mann Service Corporation, PA STW has been recognizing schools since 2006. Shaler Area Middle School and the other new designees join an elite list of 39 Pennsylvania middle-grades schools who demonstrate best practices in education.
PA STW state leaders selected each school for its Academic Excellence, Developmental Responsiveness, Social Equity, and Organizational Structures and Processes. These schools demonstrate strong leadership, collaborative teaching practices focused on improving curriculum and instruction, and a commitment to assessment and accountability that drives continuous improvement.
Dr. Bryan O’Black, Superintendent of Schools, expressed, “We are incredibly proud of Shaler Area Middle School for earning the prestigious Schools to Watch designation. This recognition is a celebration of the extraordinary work happening every day in our classrooms to support academic growth, social-emotional development, and the unique needs of adolescent learners. Over the past several years, the SAMS team has been unwavering in their commitment to strengthening middle-level practices, building strong relationships with students, and fostering a school culture where every child feels seen, valued, and capable of success.
This designation not only validates the tremendous progress that has been made, but also highlights Shaler Area Middle School as a model for districts across the Commonwealth. I could not be more proud of Dr. Howard, Mr. Shaw, and every member of the middle school staff for their dedication to Engage, Empower, and Excel—and for creating a learning environment where students truly thrive. This honor is well-earned, and we are excited to continue advancing this important work together.”
The Schools to Watch selection process begins with a written application in which schools demonstrate how they meet the criteria established by the National Forum to Accelerate Middle Grades Reform. Schools that appear to meet these criteria receive a visit from a state team, which observes classrooms, interviews administrators, teachers, students, and parents, and examines achievement data, suspension rates, lesson quality, and student work.
Dr. Shannon Howard, Principal of Shaler Area Middle School, shared, “We are thrilled to receive the Schools to Watch designation. This affirms the great things already happening at SAMS. In addition, this process provides us with a powerful, research-based framework for effective middle schools and offers feedback for continuous improvement. We are proud to join this select group of schools that share a deep commitment to doing what is best for young adolescents.”
Shaler Area Middle School will be recognized at the Pennsylvania Association for Middle Level Educations State Conference on February 21–23, 2026, at the Crowne Plaza in King of Prussia and be recognized nationally in Washington DC at the National Forum’s National Schools to Watch Conference on June 25–27, 2026.
Launched in 1999, Schools to Watch began as a national program to identify middle-grades schools across the country that were meeting or exceeding 37 researched-based criteria developed by the National Forum.
