Has the Middle School Movement helped to raise the awareness of young adolescence as a distinct and separate developmental stage?

Yes

The Middle School Movement, which began in the United States in the early 20th century, was a response to the need for a separate educational stage between elementary and high school. It aimed to address the unique developmental needs of young adolescents, recognizing that this period is marked by significant physical, emotional, and social changes. By establishing the middle school as a distinct stage, it helped to highlight the importance of addressing these changes and the need for specialized educational approaches tailored to this age group.