Fourteen nationally recognized middle school educators were asked in 1977 to respond to the current issues in middle school education in a personal way, focusing on the concerns that seemed most vital to them. This document consists of their responses. Among the topics addressed are public attitudes, economic pressures, teacher and administrator training, curriculum requirements, conflicts between those advocating junior high schools and those supporting the middle school concept, declining enrollment, disagreements concerning standardization or individualization of the curriculum, and a list of needs including those for evaluation, accountability, adequate research, closing the gap between theory and practice, and considering the physical and intellectual makeup of middle school students. The papers presented are intended to provide a basis for planning the future of the middle school movement. (Author/PGD)