This textbook explores ways in which to teach young adolescents successfully and is based on the premise that curriculum and teaching methods should be designed to create a challenging environment. A developmental view of the young adolescent is presented and is connected to middle level curriculum development; information on content rationales is included for middle level subjects, core curriculum structures and strategies; issues of at-risk students, sheltered English instruction, and team teaching are explored; and teaching as a reflective process is promoted in reorienting middle level schools for the future. The book is organized into 11 chapters each containing several substantive sections, conclusions, extensions, notes and references, and further reading materials. The chapters are entitled: (1) Introduction to the Middle Level; (2) Evolution of Middle Level Schooling; (3) The Middle Level Student; (4) Curriculum-Building Basics; (5) Basic Subjects of the Curriculum; (6) Basics of Exploratory Curriculum; (7) The Affective Curriculum; (8) Core Curriculum Implementation; (9) Instruction at the Middle Level; (10) Evaluating Student Progress; and (11) Interdisciplinary Units of Instruction. (LL)