This collection, which grew out of the work of the Carnegie Council on Adolescent Development, presents chapters by some thoughtful and influential people who are currently studying and working with adolescents. Their perspectives provide valuable insight into the situation of the adolescent in today's climate. Chapters include: (1) "Changing Views of Adolescence in Contemporary Society" (Ruby Takanishi); (2) "The Opportunities of Early Adolescence" (David A. Hamburg); (3) "Adolescent Rolelessness in Modern Society" (Elena O. Nightingale and Lisa Wolverton); (4) "Webs of Influence: School and Community Programs that Enhance Adolescent Health and Education" (Richard H. Price et al.); (5) "Schools for Teenagers: A Historic Dilemma" (Fred M. Hechinger); (6) "Schools as Places for Health, Mental Health, and Social Services" (Joy G. Dryfoos); (7) "Parent-School Involvement during the Early Adolescent Years" (Jacquelynne S. Eccles and Rena D. Harold); (8) "Improving the School-to-Work Transition of American Adolescents" (Robert W. Glover and Ray Marshall); (9) "Adolescence and Schooling in Germany and the United States: A Comparison of Peer Socialization to Adulthood" (Anne C. Petersen et al.); (10) "Adolescents and the Mass Media. From 'Leave It to Beaver' to 'Beverly Hills 90210'" (Donald F. Roberts); (11) "The Need for a Core, Interdisciplinary, Life-Sciences Curriculum in the Middle Grades" (H. Craig Heller); (12) "Linking Health and Education in the Middle Grades (Gordon M. Ambach); (13) "Transforming Schools into Powerful Communities" (Deborah Meier); (14) "The Potential Effects of Community Organizations on the Future of Our Youth" (James P. Comer); and (15) "Annotated Bibliography of Selected Publications on the Adolescent Years (Linda L. Schoff). (SLD)