NCMLE has been working to improve middle level education in North Carolina for 40 years. 90% of the state's middle schools are members of NCMLE, which is over 28,000 teachers, administrators, coordinators, professors, central office staff and others interested in middle level education. These members are committed to middle level education being academically excellent, developmentally responsive and socially equitable. NCMLE conducts school transformation initiatives. Most recently members have been working to improve six schools through funding made possible by the 2010 U.S. Department of Education Investing in Innovation Grant. NCMLE conducts the Schools to Watch program, conferences and workshops; creates middle level specific literature; and advocates for middle level education in North Carolina.