This site breaks down key articles written and offers teacher's a starting point from which to builid a classroom discussions or lessons.
Community Review for The Learning Network
My Take
This website would be most beneficial at the high school level.
PROS: engaging, has suggested questions to go with articles that could be modified for the middle level, highlights current/important events, offers students multiple access points into nonfiction reading/responding
CONS: website would be too loose to simply let students "explore", articles would need adult support as they are written above seventh grade level
-Overall, this is a good resource for teachers looking to include more nonfiction reading into their curriculum. It could perhaps offer more of a challenge compared to Scholastic's version.
How I Use It
I foresee using this website as a resource I visit and search out current events/nonfiction reading materials. It might take some digging to find something written at the middle level.