Drawing on the experience of public schools in Ann Arbor, Michigan, this document details a planning model and process of middle level reorganization. Following an examination of the impetus for change and how recent changes in the nation's economy, demographics, and family structure have shaped the context for educational change, collaborative planning for middle level reorganization is explored in terms of necessary preliminary steps, forms of participation, district planning, and school-based planning. Second, strategies for ensuring that all school and community segments are informed about the implementation of new programs are discussed, and the functional role of dissent is explored with attention given to ways of dealing with dissent. The development of support activities focused on the needs of the staff, students, and parents during the transition is explored, and strategies for dealing with possible pitfalls such as loss of commitment and teacher dissent are suggested with emphasis on the importance of clear planning and evaluation. A planning checklist, middle school philosophy, parent survey, student survey, pilot evaluation form, implementation plan, communication schedule, and decision matrix are appended as well as information on the teacher transfer process, the developmental needs of middle level students, and professional organization contacts. (CLA)